Laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgery is a way of performing surgery through small incisions on the abdomen. It can also be called minimally invasive surgery. Using small incisions on the abdomen, the highly trained surgeons at the Center for Colon & Rectal Health can perform most of the operations that normally would require a large incision on the abdomen.
Laparoscopic Surgery Procedure
The abdomen is filled with a gas (carbon dioxide) and high definition cameras are used to visualize everything inside the abdomen. Specialized equipment lets us manipulate the bowel and transect blood vessels all through tiny holes that are about the size of a pencil eraser.
Sometimes a special port is used that allows a hand to be inside the abdomen to feel and manipulate bowel, while the other instruments use the laparoscopic ports.
Regardless of technique, one incision has to be big enough to remove the specimen. This still leaves the patient with an incision that is usually approximately three inches long.
Laparoscopic Surgery Recovery
Pain is less with laparoscopic surgery than with the larger incision of open surgery. Your ability to get up and move after surgery is much greater. Hospital stay after laparoscopic surgery is usually shorter and patients are back to their normal lives faster. Patients should experience less scarring as well.
Patients should be aware that not all situations qualify for laparoscopic surgery. You will need to discuss and determine your ideal surgical treatment with the specialists at the Center for Colon & Rectal Health.
More Information
Our goal is to provide you with a safe and comfortable environment. Every patient is different. We strive to offer you the most accurate and effective treatment options.
Please contact Bucks County’s premier colorectal group to schedule an appointment and to learn more.
St. Mary Medical Center
St. Clare Medical Building, Suite 130
1203 Langhorne-Newtown Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-741-4910