A minimally invasive surgical method performed using a camera and specialized instruments inserted into the abdominal cavity. It enables small incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Indication
- Gallstones and chronic cholecystitis (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
- Appendicitis (laparoscopic appendectomy)
- Inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias (laparoscopic hernia repair)
- Reflux disease (laparoscopic fundoplication)
- Selected colon and rectal conditions (laparoscopic colectomy)
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
- Bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and similar procedures)
Preparation
- No food or fluid intake for 8 hours before the procedure
- Blood tests, ECG, and imaging studies if required
- Adjustment of blood thinners with physician approval
- Bowel preparation for specific procedures (e.g., colon surgery)
- Compression stockings or injection plan for thrombosis prophylaxis
How it's performed
- The patient is positioned appropriately under general anesthesia
- The abdominal area is sterilized and the surgical field is draped
- Carbon dioxide gas is introduced through a small incision with a needle to create working space
- 3-5 small incisions of 5-12 mm are made; the camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted through these ports
- The surgical procedure is performed with high-definition image guidance on a monitor
- At the end, the gas is released, incisions are sutured, and sterile dressings are applied
Post-procedure
- Most procedures require a 1-2 day hospital stay (varies by procedure)
- Early movement and light fluid intake are encouraged on the first day
- Temporary pain at incision sites and shoulder discomfort (related to gas) may occur
- Return to daily life within 10-14 days; avoid heavy work for 4-6 weeks
- Follow-up appointments scheduled by the surgeon
Risks
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Surgical site infection
- Injury to adjacent organs or vessels (rare)
- Anesthesia-related reactions
- Conversion to open surgery in some cases
FAQ
What are the advantages over open surgery?
The main advantages include smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, faster return to daily activities, and more cosmetic scars.
Is laparoscopic surgery suitable for every patient?
The decision is made by evaluating the type of disease, prior surgeries, accompanying health conditions, and anatomical features. Open surgery may be more suitable in some situations.
Can the procedure be converted to open surgery?
Conversion to open surgery is rarely necessary to enhance safety. This is not a failure but a decision made in the patient's best interest.
When can I return to normal activities?
Light activities are usually possible within 1 week, return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks, and heavy physical activity within 4-6 weeks.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Inguinal hernia repair — surgical repair of a groin hernia using mesh or tissue technique.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Umbilical hernia repair — surgical correction of a hernia at the navel.
Incisional Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Incisional hernia repair — repair of an abdominal wall hernia developing at the site of a previous surgical incision.
Cholecystectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Cholecystectomy — laparoscopic or open surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Appendectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Appendectomy (appendicitis surgery) — surgical removal of the inflamed appendix.
Splenectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Splenectomy (spleen surgery) — removal of the spleen for hematologic and traumatic conditions.
Abdominoplasty
Surgical Outpatient Services
Abdominoplasty — surgical correction of abdominal wall muscle-fascia laxity and excess skin/scar tissue.
Liposuction
Surgical Outpatient Services
Liposuction — surgical removal of localized fat deposits with the help of a cannula.