Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which operations are performed through small incisions as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures.

Laparoscopic surgery provides a number of advantages for the patient.  These include:

• Reduced hemorrhaging, which reduces the chance of needing a blood transfusion.

• Smaller incision, which reduces pain and shortens recovery time, as well as resulting in less post-operative scarring.

• Less pain, leading to less pain medication needed.

• Although procedure times are usually a little longer, the hospital stay can be shorter (often a same day discharge), which leads to a faster return to everyday living.

• Reduced exposure of internal organs to possible external contaminants thereby reducing the risk of post surgical infections.

Many of the surgical procedures performed at Dickinson Memorial hospital can be done using laparoscopic techniques.