Wikijunior:Human Body/Medical - Laparoscopic Surgery

What is laparoscopic surgery ?
Laparoscopic surgery is unique and also interesting such in a way that a video cam (laparoscope) and some microscopic surgical instruments are used to perform an operation. There are many types of laparoscopic surgery, the most successful of which are laparoscopic surgery of the pancreas, liver, and bile duct. It is also known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

How is it done?
Let's take this as an example: laparoscopic surgery on the abdomen. To perform this intricate procedure, a surgeon will initially make a few tiny incisions on the part of the body. Tube-like instruments will then be inserted, and some type of gas - which, of course, is not hazardous - will fill the abdomen. This is to allow the surgeon to have a clear view of what is being carried out.

Why perform laparoscopic surgery?
This type of surgery is the next best thing to plastic surgery. Normal operations usually require large openings to gain access to the organs. These large opening can leave large scars. Since tiny surgical instruments are used in laparoscopic surgery, smaller openings are required; therefore, it results in smaller scars.

How does it help the body?
Laproscopic surgery can help the body like any other kind of surgery can, with the added benefit of using a small incision rather than something larger that would require more stitches. Smaller incisions heal faster and run a lower risk of developing infections.

The future of laparoscopic surgery
It will only be around for about 10 more years due to the rapidly developing nanotechnology field.