What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a thin lighted tube called a laparoscope. Dr. Halili inserts the tube into your abdominal area through tiny incisions.
A camera attached to the tube helps him view the inside of your abdomen without major surgical trauma.
In comparison, open surgeries use larger incisions that result in longer recovery times.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?
There are numerous benefits associated with choosing laparoscopic surgery over open surgery. Examples include:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Less bleeding
- Reduced pain
- Smaller incisions and scars
- A faster recovery
Sometimes open surgery is the best option, but in many cases, Dr. Halili can use a laparoscopic approach instead.
What is laparoscopic surgery used for?
Dr. Halili lets you know if you’re a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery based on the type and severity of your condition. The procedure helps treat:
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Rectal prolapse
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic prolapse
- Endometriosis
In women, Dr. Halili uses laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomies, treating incontinence, tubal ligation for permanent birth control, and ectopic pregnancy removal.
Is laparoscopic surgery right for me?
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms or health conditions, you may require laparoscopic surgery:
- A lump in your abdomen
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe constipation
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Abdominal cancer
- The desire for permanent birth control
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Diagnostic laparoscopy is sometimes used to diagnose conditions in women that affect fertility, such as endometriosis. In some cases, Dr. Halili takes a biopsy or even fully treats your condition during a diagnostic laparoscopy.
What should I expect during laparoscopic surgery?
Prior to laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Halili asks you not to eat or drink anything. You might also have to stop taking certain medications for a while.
You’re placed under general anesthesia so you stay asleep and don’t feel pain. Dr. Halili may also offer local anesthesia plus a sedative if you prefer to stay awake during the procedure.
He makes a small incision near your abdomen or pelvis and inserts the laparoscope so he can view images of the affected area. He inflates your abdomen with gas, surgically removes or repairs the area, and stitches it up. You move into a recovery area until you wake up and rest.
What happens after the procedure?
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after laparoscopic surgery. You might feel slightly sore after the procedure and should take it easy, but you’ll often feel better within a few days.
If you require laparoscopic surgery for any reason, schedule a consultation with Central Florida Surgical Specialists by phone today.
