Laparoscopic Surgery

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that requires only a few small incisions to access the surgical site.

During this type of surgery, the surgeons fit a thin, telescopic rod with an attached camera through an incision. The camera sends real-time images of the site to an external monitor. Using specialized surgical tools, the surgeons can make repairs or remove damaged tissue while watching the monitor. 

Southwest Surgical Associates also offers the da Vinci® robotic surgery system. This technology allows the surgeons to control a set of robotic arms from a computer monitor. The arms hold surgical tools that fit through the small incisions to make repairs with superior precision.

Why would I need laparoscopic surgery?

You might be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery if you need a biopsy to test tissue for cancerous cells. Laparoscopic surgery may also help diagnose the cause of pelvic or abdominal pain when other tests can’t.

Southwest Surgical Associates can also perform laparoscopic surgery to address:

• Tumors
• Hernias
• Colorectal cancer
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
• Appendix removal (appendectomy)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Depending on your overall health, the surgeons may also be able to complete bariatric surgery using laparoscopic surgery techniques.

To determine if you’re a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, the providers offer comprehensive physical exams and diagnostic testing services in-office. During your consultation, they review your medical history and the severity of your condition to ensure laparoscopic surgery is the best treatment for you.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?

Because laparoscopic surgery requires only small incisions to access the surgical site, you can expect your incisions to heal quickly.

The minimally invasive techniques the Southwest Surgical Associates providers use also causes less trauma to surrounding tissues, so you can recover with less pain, bleeding, and other post-surgical complications.

In some cases, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery to start your recovery. If you must remain in the hospital for observation, your stay may be much shorter than it would after traditional open surgery.

To find out if laparoscopic surgery is right for you, call the Southwest Surgical Associates office near you today or book an appointment online.

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