Just about everyone will have some time of surgery during their lifetime, whether it’s major or minor. Traditionally when performing surgery, doctors would have to make a very large incision, which not only required more time to heal, but also put the patient at greater risk of infection and complications, which resulted in more downtime. This is why many doctors began performing surgeries laparoscopically instead, which has many advantages over traditional surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is when a surgeon make a series of small incisions in the surgical area, and uses tiny instruments containing cameras to perform surgery. In a few cases, depending on the situation, a doctor may be unable to perform laparoscopic surgery due to being unable to get a good view, but in most cases it’s the preferred choice for both the patient and the doctor.
Cost – One great benefit of laparoscopic surgery is the fact that the cost is a lot less than traditional surgery. This is due to the surgery itself as well as a shorter hospital stay, which enables insurance companies and patients to save money.
Less Risks – the larger an incision is and the more serious a surgery is, the more chances there are that complications might arise. Of course complications can arise with anytime of surgery, laparoscopic included, but with the smaller incisions, the chances of encountering complications are greatly reduced.
Quicker Recovery Time – There is no need for patients to spend long periods of time convalescing following surgery, since laparoscopic wounds heals a great deal quicker. This enables patients to return to work weeks sooner than with traditional surgery.
Smaller Scar – Many people who underwent traditional surgeries often had to contend with large, unsightly scars from the large incisions that were necessary in order to perform their surgery. With laparoscopic surgeries, the incisions are a fraction of the size of traditional surgeries, and most incisions will heal without leaving a very visible scar. This is ideal for patients, especially when surgery is necessary on areas that can’t be easily covered by clothing.
Less Pain – Because of a smaller incision, patients will experience a lesser degree of pain, requiring less pain medication and discomfort. This means that a patient who has had laparoscopic surgery of any kind will experience fewer side effects from pain medications, since less will be necessary in most cases.
There are obviously many benefits of laparoscopic surgery, and if your doctor has recommended surgery yet has not mentioned the possibility of undergoing the surgery laparoscopically, you may want to ask him or her so that you enjoy a quicker recovery time, less risks, a less visible scar and more.
Mayo Clinic Minimally Invasive Surgery Page – www.mayoclinic.org/minimally-invasive-surgery/
