Is laparoscopic surgery safe?

Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as any other surgical procedure. The techniques used have been around since the 1960's and since the mid-1980's has been specifically applied to procedures in general surgery. To date, thousands of patients have undergone basic and advanced laparoscopic surgery nationwide. In many cases it has become the standard of care offered to most patients. As with any surgery or procedure there are always some risks and potential for complications related to the procedure and to anesthesia which your own physician or surgeon can discuss with you.

Is it more painful to have laparoscopic surgery performed?

Any surgery involves some degree of pain. Research studies of many different kinds of procedures have demonstrated that laparoscopic surgery is associated with less pain as compared to the same "open" surgical procedure.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is associated with less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic results.

What are the disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery?

Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery can occasionally complain of mild shoulder or rib discomfort after surgery. This is from carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure pushing on the diaphragm, Once the procedure is completed, the gas used during the procedure is removed and any minute amount of residual gas is absorbed by the body and exhaled by the lungs. This pressure is what causes this mild shoulder or rib sensation and resolves spontaneously.

How soon can I eat after surgery?

Almost all patients are able to eat the night of surgery. For example, with traditional colon surgery, patients typically cannot eat for 3-5 days after the surgery, but after laparoscopic colon surgery, patients are frequently able to drink liquids the night of surgery.

Am I a candidate for laparoscopic surgery?

Many of the reasons used in the past by surgeons to dissuade patients from undergoing laparoscopic surgery are no longer valid. Many overweight patients or patients with large scars or adhesions from previous surgery are able to undergo successful laparoscopic procedures. Unfortunately many of these patients continue to be discouraged from considering laparoscopic surgery. The decision to pursue a laparoscopic procedure is made by the patient, their own doctor and a qualified laparoscopic surgeon. In today's era of increasing responsibility for directed care, patients must examine all of their available treatment options.

How long will I be hospitalized after surgery?

Many laparoscopic procedures are now outpatient procedures and most patients go home the same day. An overnight stay in the hospital is available if conditions necessitate this after surgery. Patients who undergo more involved procedures may be in the hospital longer. In general patients spend about one half the amount of time in the hospital following laparoscopic procedures as compared to the same "open" procedure.

What is the recovery period at home after surgery?

Once patients leave the hospital, the recovery period is quite rapid. Because patients have less pain and much smaller incisions, patients are able to resume their usual activities faster and need far fewer amounts of pain medicines. In general patients recover is about one half of the time needed for "open" surgery.

How do I know if my surgeon is qualified to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures?

As with any procedure, patients should ask a surgeon about their experience and outcomes. Patients should inquire about their surgeon's experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures. The amount of training a surgeon possesses in performing these complex procedures varies quite dramatically, but experience is essential to ensure a successful outcome. Formal fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic procedures provides a uniform and well-balanced level of training and is very desirable. Nationally very few individuals have received this specialized training.

Why should I come to the Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Surgery Center of New Jersey?

Our center focuses specifically on advanced laparoscopic procedures. We are fellowship trained in laparoscopic surgery and have broad experience in performing and teaching the many complex types of laparoscopic procedures currently in practice nationally. The training and experience offered by our center assures patients of a degree of expertise not available by the average surgeon who performs laparoscopic surgery. Our center of excellence applies the latest technological advances and techniques to ensure patients receive the best and most up to date care possible in our region. In addition our physicians make every effort to tailor patient care to meet the special needs of our patients. We will provide close follow-up care after surgery to our patients and their physicians.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (609) 877-1737 or click here to request additional information.

Page last updated February 08, 2003