Laparoscopic Surgery

The word "laparoscopy" means to look inside the abdomen with a special camera or scope. Surgery performed with the aid of these cameras is known as "keyhole," "porthole" or "minimally invasive" surgery.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?

Traditional surgery requires a long incision (cut) down the center of the abdomen and a lengthy recovery period. Laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for this large incision. As a result, you may experience less pain and scarring after surgery, more rapid recovery and less risk of infection.

Laparoscopy can shorten your hospital stay to one or two days. Approximately 50% of men are discharged one day after surgery. (The length of stay depends on how quickly you recover and the extent of the surgery). There is significantly less bleeding during the operation.
You are less likely to need prescription painkillers after you leave the hospital. Patients generally need nothing more than Tylenol.
At your follow-up appointment one week after surgery, the tube, or catheter, draining your bladder will be removed if there are no signs of other problems. Occasionally, the catheter remains in place for another week, as is routinely the case following conventional "open" surgery.
Approximately 90% of patients can return to work or resume full activity in only two to three weeks.

Need more information on health and wellness?
Click here for a link to health and wellness recommendations from the National Institute of Health.