If you need surgery in the near future, or have had surgery recently, you may have heard about minimally invasive options, such as laparoscopy. But what is laparoscopy and why should you consider it?

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a small, thin tube with its own light source on the end. The tube is inserted through a small incision that is barely visible, so that you won’t need sutures or stitches once the procedure is complete! The tube is sophisticated enough that it can remove tissue without surgeons opening up the body to see inside.

Because the incision is so small, the trauma to the body is minimal, making it easier for the body to heal. Hospital stays are minimal, often less than 23 hours, when laparoscopic outpatient procedures are done. Patients are often able to return to their homes and their lives much faster than with traditional surgery. In fact, depending on the type of laparoscopic surgery, many patients are able to return to their normal activities in just one to two weeks!

Trauma to the body is minimal, making it easier for the body to heal.

There are different kinds of laparoscopic procedures. For a laparoscopic laser surgery, such as those that treat endometriosis, the small tube is used to light the area of the internal organs, while a laser beam or electric current removes the excess endometrial or scar tissue. For a laparoscopic oophorectomy, or the removal of the ovaries, the small incisions are enough to remove the ovaries.

Depending on your condition, your medical provider will determine what kinds of surgical options are right for you. Some of the laparoscopic surgical services that can help with gynecological problems include:

• Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Laparoscopic Supra-Cervical Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus with the cervix left in place)
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries)
• Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy (removal of cysts from the ovary)
• Laparoscopic Laser Surgery for Endometriosis (removal of excess uterine or scar tissue)