Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic or "key-hole" surgery is a technique of minimal access into the abdomen using small ports measuring 5-12 mm in size. The cavity is insufflated with CO2 and a high definition camera system is then used to provide vision and lighting. Long instruments, energy devices, stapling devices, sutures and clips can be introduced to allow the same procedures as conventional surgery to be performed. The advantages of smaller wounds, quicker recovery, cosmesis and less blood loss are possible in the majority of patients. Some of the operations commonly performed in this manner include:

1. Appendectomy
2. Gallbladder Surgery
3. Hernia Repair
4. Colon and rectal operations

Gallstone disease may lead to malfunction of the gallbladder, which necessitates its removal. Minimally invasive surgery is now routinely done for this.

Surgery for colorectal disease usually results in removal of a segment of large intestine. The bowel ends are put together with the use of sutures or a stapling device. Restoration of normal function is possible in the majority of cases. Modern techniques make the necessity of a permanent stoma or bag to be worn by patients less than 5 % of the time.

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery can result in faster recovery and better cosmesis in selected situations.