Abdominal keyhole surgery

What is it?

A laparoscopic operation is performed using tiny incisions of approximately one centimetre in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope is introduced into the abdomen through one of these incisions. This is a long thinprobe that has a camera attached to one end. The physician and staff follow the operation on a screen. Instruments are introduced using other incisions, which are subsequently used to perform the operation.

Laparoscopy has been used for many years. With improved techniques and instruments, an even more wide variety of operations can be performed this way. A laparoscopic operation is less invasive than a 'regular' open abdominal operation. As a result, the hospital stay is usually shorter, there is less pain and recovery at home is also faster. The operation itself may take longer.