About Laparoscopic Surgery
Does laparoscopic surgery require a certain type of anesthesia?
For almost all cases of elective laparoscopic surgery a general anesthetic is required. That means that the patient is entirely asleep and will not remember anything about the surgical procedure.
What type of surgical procedures can be done laparoscopically?
The majority of abdominal surgical procedures can be done laparoscopically. However, in some cases there are other factors that might make it impossible to do the surgery laparoscopically. A patient should make their final decision only after they discuss with a surgeon the laparoscopic possibilities. For many diseases in the abdomen requiring surgery, a high percentage of cases can be done laparoscopically.
What is the reason that surgery should be done laparoscopically?
Quicker recovery is the most important reason for most patients. In many cases, the recovery is reduced by half the time or more for abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery also reduces the incidence of complications, such as infection in the incision.
How soon can I go back to work?
The length of time to recover enough to return to work varies from individual to individual and by the type of procedure. However, for many surgical procedures such as hernia surgery and gallbladder surgery, most patients can return to work in about one week. For other types of surgery such as splenectomy, fundoplication, and adrenalectomy, most patients can return to work in about 2 weeks. For colon surgery and gastric bypass, most patients can return to work within a 3 week period.
