Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach that has many advantages over conventional open surgery. Dr. Narendra Chopde is an expert in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and offers patients the latest advances in this technique.

Learn about the benefits of laparoscopic surgery and why it’s a good choice for a wide variety of surgeries, including gallbladder removal, weight loss surgery, hernia repair, reflux surgery, and so on.

Traditional open surgery requires a large incision to expose the tissue so that the surgeon can perform the operation. In laparoscopic surgery, surgeons make small incisions, often called keyholes, to reach the surgical site using small devices that fit into the incisions.

A laparoscope is used to examine tissues and organs – a special device connected to a small light video camera and specially designed devices perform the necessary surgical maneuvers. Carbon dioxide is often used to dilate the opening where the operation is performed, giving the surgeon better vision and more room to work and protect vital organs.

All operations carry risks; however, patients undergoing traditional open surgery are at risk of complications such as excessive bleeding due to the size of the incision. If the patient experiences excessive bleeding, fertilization may be necessary to prevent blood loss. Because laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions, the incidence of blood complications is lower.

Making a large incision to expose the tissues means that patients will experience more pain after traditional open surgery and will need medication to manage the pain and stay comfortable during recovery. Small incisions made during laparoscopic surgery can reduce postoperative recovery and pain recovery, thereby reducing the need for intensive pain medication.

Traditional open surgery can result in a significant amount of scar tissue after the healing process is complete. Such surgical scars often measure several inches, making them more noticeable. The laparoscopic approach results in smaller scars, less scar tissue and better overall aesthetic results.

The body needs more time to recover after traditional open surgery – in the hospital and at home. Patients should limit their activities to a few weeks after traditional open surgery to avoid complications at the incision site.

Laparoscopic surgery has a lower risk of hernia and other complications at the incision site. Patients undergoing laparoscopy have a shorter hospital stay and are no longer in bed, returning to their normal activities, including exercise and lifting, faster than patients.