Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon performs surgery through tiny incisions with the assistance of a video camera. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts plastic tubes, also known as ports, through the incisions and manipulates several thin instruments and the camera through the ports. The camera transmits detailed images onto a television monitor, allowing the surgeon to perform surgery without the traditional large incision.

Laparoscopic procedures may offer a number of benefits over open surgery, including quicker recovery times, less pain, scarring and blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Commonwealth Health’s surgeons are able to perform a range of laparoscopic procedures, including:

• Abdominal surgeries to treat appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, duodenal perforation, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, cancer, rectal prolapse and chronic constipation
• Gallbladder procedures
• Gynecologic surgeries such as hysterectomies and tubal ligation, as well as laparoscopic techniques to treat endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy and fibroids
• Hernia surgeries

Surgeons at Commonwealth Health utilize minimally invasive surgical options whenever possible to minimize post-surgical pain and scarring, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.