No one enjoys having to get surgery, but it’s a necessary part of life. Whether you need immediate treatment or have had time to plan it out, it’s always good to know your options. Knowing the benefits of laparoscopic surgery over other surgical options can help calm your fears, allowing you to rest easier.
Laparoscopic surgery is unique in that it uses multiple small incisions rather than one large one. This creates room for the laparoscope, which lets the surgeon see inside the body without the need for a large incision. This decreases the likelihood of experiencing severe pain or developing an infection during the recovery period.
Laparoscopic Surgery in Evansville, Indiana
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of medical procedure that uses multiple small incisions during general surgery. Unlike traditional open surgery, which uses a single large incision, the surgeon performs laparoscopic procedures using an instrument called a laparoscope.
This fiber optic tool includes a light and camera to transmit high-resolution images to a video monitor while your surgeon performs the procedure. As your surgeon inserts the laparoscope into one of the small incisions, they are able to see what they’re doing without the need for larger ones.
This surgical technique allows them to work more efficiently and has become known as minimally invasive surgery. All of our physicians specialize in laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is ideal for treating multiple parts of the body, including the gallbladder, abdominal wall, pelvic organs, and blood vessels. Talk to one of our surgeons to find out if it’s the best choice for your next procedure.
Want to learn more about what makes laparoscopic surgery unique? Check out Minimally Invasive Surgery Vs. Open Surgery: What’s the Difference? to learn more!
Reasons to Consider Minimally Invasive Surgery
There are plenty of reasons to consider minimally invasive surgery. Many of its benefits stem from using smaller incisions, which are less taxing on the body and aids in the recovery process. While the idea of any type of surgery can make you feel nervous, you can find peace of mind knowing that minimally invasive surgery will likely provide more improved outcomes than others.
1. Smaller Incisions
When you think of surgery, chances are that you think of open surgery — surgeons creating a large incision to operate on internal organs. These incisions are usually about 4 inches and provide an unobstructed view for surgeons to operate.
Laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, uses multiple incisions that are around an inch each (8 mm for tools and 12 mm for the camera). For this method, one incision is for the laparoscope and the others are for surgical instruments.
Your surgical team may also use carbon dioxide gas during the procedure. They use it to inflate the abdominal cavity to give the laparoscope a better view inside the body. This provides your surgeon with a clearer idea of what’s happening inside your body as well as more room to operate.
2. Reduced Pain
Undergoing surgery is stressful enough, so it can help to know that you are likely to experience less pain during recovery. This is often the case with laparoscopic surgery and it’s all thanks to the smaller incisions. Thanks to their size, they often heal much more quickly than traditional surgery.
With laparoscopic surgery, you may not require long-term medications like with open surgery. You’re also likely to experience a shorter recovery period — especially if you follow your doctor’s orders for recovery.
Are you interested in the best ways to recover after your surgery? Check out Recovering from Surgery at Home — Do’s and Don’ts to learn more!
3. Lower Risk of Infection
Infected incision sites are the most common infection facing surgical patients, and are the second most common infection in hospitals. There are always risks when you undergo surgery. However, these risks are significantly reduced when you opt for laparoscopic surgery. According to one study, you’re at a “substantially lower risk” when you choose laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery can be beneficial thanks to its use of multiple small incisions instead of a single large one. Your surgeon will use one of these incisions to work the laparoscope, which lets them see inside the body using a video monitor. Smaller incisions can result in a decreased risk of pain and infection, as well as a faster recovery from your surgery.
Would you like to learn if you’re an ideal candidate for laparoscopic surgery? Call us today at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to schedule your appointment!
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
