Laparoscopic Surgery |Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is laparoscopy/laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive type of surgery. Short, narrow tubes are inserted into the skin through small incisions. Surgeons then use instruments to fix, cut, and sew tissue back together.

Benefits of laparoscopy/laparoscopic surgery

Because laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions rather than large incisions it helps to reduce trauma to your body. Some of the benefits of this procedure are:

  • Less pain

  • Less scarring

  • Fewer wound infections

  • Shorter hospital stays

  • Shorter recovery

  • Faster return to work and daily activities

Minimally invasive techniques can be used for many types of surgeries.

Some of these include:

  • Joint repair and replacement

  • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

  • Inguinal hernia repair

  • Weight-loss surgery

  • Urologic surgery

  • Colon cancer resection

  • Abdominal wall reconstruction

  • Hiatal hernia repair

Risks with laparoscopy

All surgeries have risk depending on the procedure and the person’s health. Talk with your doctor about the risks involved with laparoscopic surgery.

Where to find care

MaineHealth surgeons have extensive training in minimally-invasive surgery methods. Talk to your primary care doctor if you think you need laparoscopic surgery.