Did you know that roughly 2.8 million Aussies required surgery in 2020 and 2021? The thought of having to undergo surgery is never a pleasant one, but for most people, it is necessary at some point in their lives. 

Luckily with modern technology, not all surgical procedures need to be scary and invasive. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to resolve health issues without making large incisions.

Small incision surgeries are performed to treat a wide range of women’s health problems that once required open surgery. In obstetrics and gynaecology, these surgeries include hysterectomies, tying of the fallopian tubes, diagnostic laparoscopies for endometriosis, and more.

There are many benefits of laparoscopic surgery beyond treating health issues and prevention. If the idea of small incision procedures still scares you, keep on reading and you might feel better.

 

Less Invasive

Unlike open surgery, laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive. When a procedure is minimally invasive there is less risk involved and a greater opportunity for accuracy. 

Doctors and surgeons can use thin tube cameras and state-of-the-art surgical instruments to assist them in keeping procedures as minimally invasive as possible.

The risks involved in open surgery that aren’t as concerning with minimally invasive surgery include blood loss, blood clots, infection, and shock. 

 

Quicker Healing

Small incision surgeries have a faster healing process than surgeries with large incisions. The initial cut is minimal, the advanced technology limits trauma to internal organs, and in some cases, you don’t even need to go under general anaesthesia. 

Faster healing means that you will be able to experience the benefits of the surgery sooner. For some patients that are presenting with abdominal or pelvic pain, this can be a major relief. For others who may be seeking surgical solutions to birth control, it may be as simple as enjoying sex without the risk of pregnancy.

 

Minimal Scarring

This may seem obvious, but one of the major benefits of laparoscopic surgery is less scarring. Some laparoscopic procedures can even be done with the small incision hidden inside the belly button or along natural fold lines on the skin.

Open surgery often leaves patients with large, unavoidable scarring that takes longer to close and can feel tight even after the healing process is done. Some incision sites from major procedures can reopen weeks after surgery or turn into itchy, hard-to-treat keloid scars.

 

Reduced Anaesthetic Time

With laparoscopic surgery, the time spent under anaesthetic is often dramatically reduced. Anaesthesia, either general or regional, is a necessary part of all surgeries but it can be accompanied by a range of side effects. Common side effects of anaesthesia include nausea, itchiness, sore throat, dry mouth, or aching muscles.

Reduced time under anaesthesia usually equals reduced time spent in the hospital. Some laparoscopic surgeries are performed as day surgeries, but often don’t require more than a single overnight stay. 

Although anaesthetic time is reduced, we still recommend you organise someone to drive you home from the hospital after any length of stay.

 

The Best of All… Less Pain!

Arguably the greatest benefit of laparoscopic surgery is less pain and discomfort when compared to large incision surgery. 

Open surgeries are more painful because they usually involve more trauma to muscles and organs. Small incision surgeries are more direct and target the issue more precisely. With laparoscopic surgery, you can return to independent living quicker and without grunts and groans anytime you move slightly the wrong way.

If you need a gynaecological procedure done and you’re still finding the right ob-gyn for you, it is worth asking each clinic if they can perform your surgery laparoscopically.

Dr Kelvin Larwood is a skilled ob-gyn on the Sunshine Coast that offers gentle care and always opts for minimally invasive surgery when needed. All procedures by Dr Larwood are performed out of Buderim Private Hospital where you will receive the best care possible.

Call 07 4578 4470 today to organise an appointment.