What is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a surgical modality that by definition means “to look inside the abdominal cavity with a scope.”  More specifically, it is a surgical technique that involves placing several small tubes, called trocars, into the abdomen of a patient to provide access for the surgeon to introduce and manipulate instruments.  In addition, an optic scope, called a laparoscope, is inserted through one of the trocars to provide visualization.  The laparoscope is attached to a camera so that the surgery may be performed while seen on a television monitor.  The patient’s abdomen is inflated and distended using CO2 gas so that the surgeon has room to perform the procedure.

Why Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it requires less disruption of the body and eliminates the larger incisions common with more traditional surgical approaches.  As a result, there are many benefits for the patient.  The benefits include:
• Reduced cost to the patient
• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter recovery time
• More rapid return to work
• Quick resumption of normal activity
• Diminished post-operative pain
• Less cosmetic disfigurement (scarring)