Why Laparoscopic Surgery Is a Great Idea

The benefits go beyond smaller scars and faster recovery

Laparoscopy for Women

One of the most common uses of laparoscopic surgery is for gynecologic (women’s reproductive) procedures. These include tubal ligation (sterilization) and surgeries for pelvic pain related to ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopy also is being used in hysterectomies and even cancer surgery.

“Researchers have found that laparoscopic surgery for uterine cancer is as safe as traditional surgery,” says gynecologic oncologist Martin Martino, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “While the actual operation is longer, the hospital stay is shorter, and there is a reduced risk for serious complications.”

The term “laparoscopic surgery” usually calls to mind tiny scars and a quick recovery—the most-publicized benefits of this surgical technique. But there are other important advantages, says laparoscopic surgeon Roberto Bergamaschi, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Traditionally, surgeons operate through one large opening. By contrast, specially educated laparoscopic surgeons make several small incisions, inserting a tiny camera through one opening and surgical instruments through others. The camera sends magnified images to a video monitor that the surgeons view while they work. The benefits of this approach:

Magnification— Laparoscopic surgeons see things at 10 times normal size (the size of the magnified penny), allowing a more precise surgery. For example, during colon cancer surgery, they must remove not only part of the colon but also tiny lymph nodes that may be cancerous. Magnification helps identify all the nodes, and reduces blood loss.

Less internal scarring—“Whenever a surgeon’s hands touch the inside of the body, the body responds by forming scars,” Bergamaschi says. “This scarring can lead years later to complications such as bowel obstruction and chronic pain. In laparoscopic surgery, only tiny instruments go inside the patient.”

Less stress—Surgery stresses the body, weakening the immune system and sometimes leading to complications. Smaller incisions are less stressful, heal more quickly and reduce the risk for complications.

Less pain—“The main reason you feel pain after surgery is because of the openings made through your skin and muscle,” Bergamaschi says. “Smaller incisions mean less discomfort.”

Laparoscopy can be applied to many different surgeries. It’s most commonly used in colon-rectal procedures, hernia repairs, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and gallstone and spleen removal. Laparoscopy even can be used in gastric bypass (weight-loss) surgery and to remove a kidney from a donor for transplant.

Sometimes open surgery is still the better choice—for example, when the patient has scarring from previous surgery and other medical problems, or when the surgeon cannot safely see organs or there are bleeding problems.

Want to Know More about recovering from surgery? Call 610-402-CARE or visit www.lvh.org/healthyyou. On the Web site, you also can see a video on laparoscopic surgery.

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