Do you have a condition that requires you to undergo surgery? You probably have many questions about the type of procedure you will have. One of the vital aspects of having surgery is understanding it.
It would be best to ask your doctor every question that comes to mind. Remember, there are no stupid questions. One of the most critical questions that should come up is: Is the surgery minimally invasive? If not, how invasive is it?
The surgeon is undoubtedly able to know which procedure is best for you. Having this information will help you prepare mentally for the outcomes. It can help you come to terms with the scars, post-op pain, and other factors that may come up.
There are two main types of surgery that the surgeon may mention—laparoscopic and open surgery.
What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a revolutionary procedure where the surgeon only needs to make small incisions. The surgeon employs several tools to perform this type of surgery. The first tools they use after making the incision are called trocars. The surgeon inserts these into the abdomen through the small incisions they make.
Another tool they use is a tube that pumps gas into the abdomen. The gas helps the surgeon maneuver the space more effectively. The next tool they use is the laparoscope, a long and narrow tool that allows the surgeon to manipulate tissue and suture it.
The surgeon performs laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. You will not feel pain during the surgery, and because of the tiny incisions, the pain after is not so much.
What Is Open Surgery?
Open surgery is the traditional form where the surgeon can make an incision as large as 10 inches. They usually need large incisions to access specific organs in the body. Surgeons will often employ this technique when they want to repair particular organs. The tools the surgeon uses during this technique are specialized in organ repair.
Sometimes, a surgeon can use the tools to remove an organ or part of it. They can also use the tools to cut through tissue, suture tissue, and even merge some organs into one structure.
Laparoscopic Vs. Open Surgery
The main difference between these two types of surgery is the size of the surgeon's incision at the beginning. A large incision means that the patient will take much longer to heal than a small one. Also, open surgery often means that the surgeon needs more access to a specific organ. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery means they need access to a particular point.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
The most significant benefit we can see is that this surgery is less invasive and painful. There is less blood loss, minimal scarring, and less pain post-op. Also, it is not as expensive as open surgery.
Benefits of Open Surgery
It is ideal for chronic illnesses, such as a heart transplant. Open surgery is also cleaner because the surgeon has more access to the organs. Also, the risk of infecting other organs is low.
For more on the differences between keyhole surgery and open surgery, visit the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York at our office in New York, New York. Call (212) 879-6677 to book an appointment today.
