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==== **Benefits of minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures are** ====
 * Laparoscopic surgery ** also referred to as **minimally invasive surgery ** describes the performance of surgical procedures with the assistance of a video camera and several thin instruments. During the surgical procedure, small incisions of up to half an inch are made and plastic tubes called ports are placed through these incisions. The camera and the instruments are then introduced through the ports which allow access to the inside of the patient.
 * **less post operative discomfort** since the incisions are much smaller
 * **quicker recovery times**
 * **shorter hospital stays**
 * **earlier return to full activities**
 * **much smaller scars**

= Laparoscopic Surgery - What Is It? =

**What is laparoscopic surgery?** Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. In the past, this technique was commonly used for gynecologic surgery and for gall bladder surgery. Over the last 10 years the use of this technique has expanded into intestinal surgery. In traditional “open” surgery the surgeon uses a single incision to enter into the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses several 0.5-1cm incisions. Each incision is called a “port.” At each port a tubular instrument known as a trochar is inserted. Specialized instruments and a special camera known as a laparoscope are passed through the trochars during the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a working and viewing space for the surgeon. The laparoscope transmits images from the abdominal cavity to high-resolution video monitors in the operating room. During the operation the surgeon watches detailed images of the abdomen on the monitor. This system allows the surgeon to perform the same operations as traditional surgery but with smaller incisions. In certain situations a surgeon may choose to use a special type of port that is large enough to insert a hand. When a hand port is used the surgical technique is called “hand assisted” laparoscopy. The incision required for the hand port is larger than the other laparoscopic incisions, but is usually smaller than the incision required for traditional surgery. **What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?** Compared to traditional open surgery, patients often experience less pain, a shorter recovery, and less scarring with laparoscopic surgery. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">**What kinds of operations can be performed using laparoscopic surgery?** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Most intestinal surgeries can be performed using the laparoscopic technique. These include surgery for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, cancer, rectal prolapse and severe constipation. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">In the past there had been concern raised about the safety of laparoscopic surgery for ­cancer operations. Recently several studies involving hundreds of patients have shown that laparoscopic surgery is safe for certain ­colorectal cancers.