Approaches to Surgery: Open Versus Minimally Invasive Surgery

A laparoscopic operation involves making several small incisions for different medical devices to be used. There are, on average, four to six ports created. The devices include a small video camera, are inserted through the ports. The surgeon uses a monitor to perform the procedure. Laparoscopic surgeons believe this gives them a good view and access to key body parts. Many patients are able to recover from the surgery in a shorter time than open procedures require. In fact, some return to work in little more than a week, and many are able to quickly return to physical activity. Patients generally have very small scars. There is also lowers chance of wound complications such as infection and hernia.