Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that is available as an alternative to traditional surgical approaches in some cases. While traditional surgery involves at least one large incision with a scalpel, laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for a large incision using a long, slender camera device called a laparoscope.

During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes several small incisions that are only 0.5-1.0 centimeters in length. Through these incisions, they insert long and thin instruments that allow them to repair, manipulate, or remove tissue safely. The laparoscope delivers a real-time image of the inside of your body to a monitor that your surgeon watches and uses for guidance.

Several surgeries are available with laparoscopy at LoneStar Clinic, including thyroidectomy (thyroid removal), hysterectomy (uterus removal), cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), and hernia repair surgery. 

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery and other minimally invasive surgical techniques have several clear advantages over traditional surgical approaches, largely because of the lack of large incisions. If laparoscopic surgery is an option for you, the advantages include:

• Shorter recovery time
• Smaller or less noticeable scarring
• Less postoperative pain
• Less time in the clinic or hospital
  
  

The team talks with you extensively during your initial surgical consultation. They ask about your personal medical history, as well as your family medical history, and may perform certain tests like X-rays or blood draws. They use all of this information to determine whether you’re a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery.

How should I prepare for laparoscopic surgery?

Preparing for laparoscopic surgery is a lengthy process that starts with your initial consultation. Once the team decides that you can safely get laparoscopic surgery, they walk you through how to prepare. Be prepared to adjust or stop taking certain medications that can thin your blood or otherwise increase the procedure’s risks. 

In the days or hours leading up to your surgery, the team might recommend that you:

• Stop eating and drinking for eight hours
• Arrange a ride to the clinic/hospital and back home
• Adjust medications and supplements accordingly
• Arrange for time off work for recovery
• Ask plenty of questions about your procedure
  
  

The team observes you for several hours after your surgery, but you may be able to return home the very same day. If you feel any postoperative pain or discomfort, you should take medications as prescribed and wait a few days for the discomfort to go away. In some cases, you can resume normal activities like work within one week. 

If you’re in need of surgery, call LoneStar Clinic, or book an appointment online to find out if laparoscopic surgery is an option for you today.