Laparoscopy / Minimally Invasive Surgery
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Almost all types of gynecologic surgeries may now be performed by laparoscopy, depending on the size, condition, and severity of the disease. In the case of hysterectomy, the uterus is detached from inside the body and removed in pieces through small incisions in the abdomen or in one piece through the vagina. Laparoscopic surgery can also be performed to remove an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Laparoscopy without the surgery can also be used to find the cause of pelvic pain and infertility or diagnose medical conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. In some cases, this type of surgery can even be used to remove cancerous growths.
What conditions are treated by laparoscopic surgery?
Tubal ligation and hysterectomy can be done with laparoscopy. In the case of hysterectomy, the uterus is detached from inside the body and removed in pieces through small incisions in the abdomen or in one piece through the vagina. Laparoscopic surgery can also be performed to remove an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Laparoscopy without the surgery can also be used to find the cause of pelvic pain and infertility or diagnose medical conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. In some cases, this type of surgery can even be used to remove cancerous growths.
How long does it take to recover from laparoscopic surgery?
Because the incisions are smaller, laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. There are also shorter hospital stays, less likelihood of infection, and a faster return to normal activities. As an added benefit, laparoscopic surgery leaves minimal scars and leaves the patient with less postoperative discomfort than traditional surgery techniques. The actual recovery time from laparoscopic surgery depends on the procedure that is performed. In the case of outpatient surgery, a patient will usually go home the same day. If not, they will be required to stay overnight in the hospital. They can expect some discomfort for a few days after surgery while the incisions begin to heal. Otherwise, normal activity can be resumed 1 to 8 days after surgery, depending on the procedure performed.
