Brookings Health System
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive and are performed through small incisions (no more than half an inch) in the abdomen or pelvis. Surgeons use an instrument called a laparoscope, a long, slender tube with a high-intensity light and high-resolution camera, which they insert through the incision.
As the laparoscope moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor. This allows the surgeon to see inside the body in real-time, without open surgery.
Many laparoscopic procedures are performed as same-day surgery. Advantages of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery include:
- Reduced pain due to smaller incisions
- Shorter recovery period
- Quicker healing
- Smaller scars
- Reduced risk of infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique performed through small incisions (usually half an inch or less) using a tiny camera called a laparoscope. Traditional open surgery requires a single, much larger incision to allow the surgeon to see the area directly, whereas laparoscopy uses a video monitor to guide the procedure, resulting in less tissue trauma.
While many common procedures—such as gallbladder removals, appendectomies, and hernia repairs—are performed laparoscopically, not every patient or condition is a candidate. Factors like scar tissue from previous operations, severe inflammation, or complex anatomy may require a surgeon to choose a traditional open approach for patient safety.
Recovery times vary depending on the specific procedure, but most patients heal significantly faster than they would from open surgery, often returning to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Because many laparoscopic surgeries are performed as same-day outpatient procedures, patients can typically recover in the comfort of their own homes.
Laparoscopic surgery generally carries a lower risk of infection, less post-operative pain, and reduced blood loss compared to open surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are still inherent risks like reaction to anesthesia or minor bleeding, which our surgical team will thoroughly review with you prior to your procedure.
