Many surgeries today can be minimally invasive, or done with laparoscopic methods. There are many benefits to this type of procedure which is why many surgeons choose this method over a more traditional surgery. 

At Johnson Memorial, there are many surgery options available to you from the surgical specialists at our new surgical center. As always, we strive to provide compassionate, comprehensive care.  Contact our surgical specialists to see if minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is right for you.

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is different than traditional surgery methods because there are several small incisions instead of one large incision. One of the incisions is used to insert the laparoscope, or a fiber optic tool with a lighted video camera. The images made with the laparoscope are projected onto a monitor to help the surgeon perform the necessary tasks through the other small incisions. 

Many times, carbon dioxide is used during surgery to elevate the skin away from your organs. This allows the surgeon more room to work and the ability to steer clear of vital organs. Carbon dioxide is safe to use because it's common to your body, absorbed into the blood stream, and your respiratory system can remove it. 

What Are Common Laparoscopic Surgeries?

In modern medicine, there are many surgeries that can be done laparoscopically. These surgeries can be used to diagnose, repair, or remove parts that have been damaged or causing problems. Many of the surgeries are in the abdominal region, but the method an be used in other areas of the body. Common laparoscopic surgeries include:

• gall bladder removal, or cholecystectomy
• appendix removal, or appendectomy
• gastric bypass
• kidney removal
• hernia repair
• exploratory surgery
• scar tissue removal
• view abdominal tumors
• shoulder surgery
• knee surgery

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?

Because there are many benefits of minimally invasive, or laparoscopic surgeries, they are routinely performed instead of traditional surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, there is less post-operative discomfort. This also means you will recover more quickly and have a shorter hospital stay than those having a more traditional surgery. Patients will likely be returning to work within days rather than weeks. Getting patients back to their normal life as quickly as possible is certainly important to everyone involved. There are many other benefits to laparoscopic surgery too.

• Because the camera projects the procedure onto a monitor that everyone can see, surgery team members can anticipate what is happening and prepare for the next steps.
• The scars from the surgery will be much smaller than traditional surgery scars.
• There may be less internal scarring.
• There is less bleeding, which also reduces the chance of needing blood transfusions.
• There is reduced exposure to internal organs which greatly reduces the risk of infection.

Surgical Options at Johnson Memorial

Visit the Johnson Memorial Surgical Specialists to learn more about the laparoscopic options available to our patients. Our experienced surgical team is highly trained to perform a number of laparoscopic surgeries using the latest techniques.

All surgical procedures are performed at the new Johnson Memorial Surgical Center. Our surgical team is ready to serve you with compassionate, comprehensive care.