Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive alternative to standard open surgery in which a special camera called a laparoscope is used to produce an inside view of the abdominal cavity. Surgeons use the laparoscope, which transmits a true picture of the internal organs to a video monitor, to guide them through surgical procedures. The laparoscope magnifies these images many times their actual size, providing surgeons with a better view of the abdomen than with standard open surgery.
Also called "keyhole" or "band-aid" surgery, laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure because it requires 3 or 4 small incisions rather than a single large one in the abdomen. (See figures below.)
How are laparoscopic procedures performed?
During laparoscopy, 3 or 4 small (1/2- to 1-inch) incisions are made in the abdomen (depending on the procedure). Carbon dioxide is passed through one of the incisions into the abdomen to enlarge the cavity and lift the abdominal wall away from the organs. This creates more operating space, making it easier to manipulate the abdominal organs. The pencil-thin laparoscope and surgical instruments are then inserted through the other incisions.
What urologic conditions can be treated using laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery can be used for the following urologic procedures:
- Adrenalectomy
- Bilateral adrenalectomy
- Partial adrenalectomy
- Radical nephrectomy for cancer
- Radical nephroureterectomy for cancer
- Simple nephrectomy
- Live donor nephrectomy for transplantation
- Partial nephrectomy for cancer
- Renal cryoablation
- Calyceal diverticulectomy
- Renal cyst excision
- Nephropexy
- Pyeloplasty
- Horse-shoe kidney surgery
- Ureteral surgery
- Large ureteral stone
- Ureteral re-implantation for reflux
- Female urinary incontinence
- Vaginal prolapse
- Pelvic lymph node dissection
- Undescended testis
- Surgery for contracted bladder (enterocystoplasty)
- Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer
- Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer
- Radical cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer
What are the benefits of laparoscopy?
Patients who have laparoscopic surgery generally experience less pain, have a quicker recovery and less risk of infection than those who have traditional open surgery. Because the incisions are small, laparoscopic surgery produces less bleeding and scarring, reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays, and patients experience a quicker return to normal eating habits and daily activities. (See chart below)
|
Laparoscopy |
Open Surgery |
| Incision |
Either 3 or 4 small incisions (less than 1 inch) in the abdomen |
A 6 to 10 inch incision in the abdomen; may require removal of part of one rib |
| Length of hospital stay |
1 to 2 days |
3 to 5 days |
| Recovery |
Less bleeding and scarring after surgery
Less pain |
Increased scarring after surgery
More pain |
| Return to normal activity |
2 to 4 weeks |
8 to 12 weeks |
What are the risks of laparoscopic surgery?
As with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of complications. A physician will complete a preoperative evaluation to ensure that the procedure is appropriate for you. However, in a small percentage of cases, even approved laparoscopic procedures may be converted to open procedures. Reasons for conversion to an open procedure may include:
- A significant complication during surgery
- If the operation is not proceeding as smoothly as the surgeon would like it to.
Your surgeon will discuss potential risks in further detail with you prior to your procedure.
Who are candidates for open surgery?
Most people are eligible for laparoscopic surgery. However, you may not qualify for the procedure if you have had multiple previous abdominal surgeries.
© Copyright 1995-2009 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
Can't find the health information you're looking for?
Ask a Health Educator, Live!
Know someone who could use this information?...send them this link.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/28/2005
