Laparoscopic Surgery
- 22 July 2014
- Dr Jane Strang
Laparoscopic surgery
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery or “keyhole” surgery is a medical procedure where small incisions are made in the body allowing the surgeon to insert camera equipment to take a look inside your body and then to operate on affected areas in the abdomen.
What are the differences between this and conventional surgery?
The main difference is laparoscopic surgery uses a laparoscope (viewing camera) through a 10mm incision, in addition to up to three other 5-10mm incisions to perform an operation. This differs from open surgery in that for an open operation an incision is used that can be up to 25cm or 30cm long .
There are advantages to laparoscopic surgery including:
- Reduced bleeding.
- Reduced stress on the body.
- Reduced risk of wound infection.
- Reduced pain.
- Reduced risk of hernia formation.
- Recovery time after surgery is often shorter.
What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gall bladder. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the removal of the gall bladder using keyhole surgery.
Jane performs laparoscopic surgery at Manuka Street Hospital, or Nelson Hospital.