At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists/Kane Center, we use minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery techniques whenever possible. Some of the procedures we perform using laparoscopic surgery techniques at one of our hospitals or surgery center include gallbladder surgery for gallstones, surgical treatment for hernias (both inguinal and ventral), gastroesophageal reflux disease surgical treatment, colon and rectal surgery, bariatric surgery, and breast cancer surgery.
What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses multiple small incisions, each one usually no more than a 1/2 inch long. Laparoscopic surgery techniques contrast with open surgery techniques. During open surgery, a surgeon begins by making long incisions so the surgeon can view the area to be treated. A surgeon performing laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, uses a tiny but sophisticated camera attached to a viewing monitor to see the body’s internal structures. The incisions only need to be large enough to allow for entry of the special camera and precise laparoscopic surgery instruments.
Minimally invasive surgery is a delicate process requiring surgical precision and advanced skills. For this reason, laparoscopic surgeons require years of specialized training to be qualified to perform innovatively and technically challenging laparoscopic procedures—a requirement that has been met by all of the surgeons at Suburban Surgical Care Specialists/Kane Center.
What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery?
The overall benefits of minimally invasive surgery like laparoscopy are immense. With this method, you can avoid significant scarring from large incisions, serious pain, and longer recovery times as well as avoiding future complications such as a hernia. In general, people who undergo this technique often experience less discomfort and are in need of less medication following their procedure. Additionally, there tends to be a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Laparoscopic Surgery?
There are various procedures that can utilize the laparoscopic technique. Based on the needs of patients and the type of surgery they need, laparoscopic surgery may be ideal for them. Several surgeries that can use this technique include gallbladder surgery for gallstones, surgical treatment for hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease surgical treatment, colon and rectal surgery, bariatric surgery, and breast cancer surgery.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is used to effectively remove the gallbladder when disease is present. The gallbladder stores bile to aid the intestines in digesting food. When this process slows or stops, patients often report experiencing pain on the right upper side of the abdomen or in the back. Usually, this pain occurs after eating and consuming foods higher in fats. The only method of relieving this pain is to remove the gallbladder and any gallstones that may have developed. Traditionally, removing the gallbladder involved surgery that required surgeons to make a large abdominal incision. Now, with laparoscopic surgery, the gallbladder and any gallstones can be removed using four smaller incisions. This technique reduces the amount of pain people go through, shortens the operation, and speeds up the overall recovery time to just 1-2 weeks.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Hernias can cause persistent pain in areas such as the groin and abdomen. This pain is often caused by strains within the muscle and tendons around the area. Hernia surgery can remedy this pain, and with the laparoscopic method, the process can be minimally invasive and cause significantly less discomfort.
Laparoscopic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Surgery
Laparoscopic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) surgery is the ideal procedure for those who are looking to remedy their ongoing reflux condition while avoiding an invasive operation. GERD surfaces when the contents of the stomach are backed up through the esophagus.
Laparoscopic Colon and Rectal Surgery
Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery, or colorectal surgery, involves using the laparoscopic technique for those who need to address certain conditions impacting their colon and rectum. With a laparoscopic approach, the procedure becomes less invasive for the patient, improving recovery times and overall comfort.
Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can address weight loss procedures using the minimally invasive technique. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be utilized for a variety of functions including gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, and the duodenal switch, allowing for less invasive and often less painful procedures.
Contact Us for Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
For more information on whether your surgery can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery techniques, contact our Chicago-area surgical practice today. Our physicians always enjoy speaking with new patients and are prepared to provide answers to all of your questions.