Laparoscopic Surgery

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery (Closed Surgery)?

Laparoscopic surgery, commonly known as “closed surgery,” is a surgical method performed through small incisions made in the abdominal area. In this method, the operation is carried out using a thin camera system (laparoscope) and special surgical instruments.

During laparoscopy, a working space is created by introducing carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen, and the operative image is projected onto a screen through the camera. In this way, the surgeon can intervene with precision by following the operation on the screen rather than viewing it directly.

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used today in the diagnosis and treatment of many gynecological diseases. Developed as an alternative to open surgery, this method allows procedures to be performed with less tissue damage. Thanks to the camera system used, the surgical field is magnified and projected onto the screen; this helps the surgeon obtain a clearer and more detailed view.

What Is the Difference Between Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Surgery?

The concepts of laparoscopy and laparoscopic surgery are often confused with each other. However, there is an important difference between them.

Laparoscopy (Diagnostic Purpose):

• Performed to visualize the inside of the abdomen
• Helps establish a diagnosis
• Generally a short procedure

Laparoscopic Surgery (Therapeutic Purpose):

• Provides treatment of the identified disease
• Involves surgical intervention
• A more comprehensive procedure

Why Is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery is a method preferred for both diagnosis and treatment. Its main purposes are:

• To evaluate intra-abdominal problems that cannot be diagnosed otherwise
• To carry out the treatment of gynecological diseases
• To offer a more comfortable alternative to open surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is frequently preferred in suitable patients because it provides less pain and faster recovery.

For Which Diseases Is Laparoscopic Surgery Used?

Laparoscopic surgery can be applied in many areas of gynecology. The conditions in which it is most frequently used:

• Fibroids: It can be used to remove fibroids located in the uterus.
• Ovarian Cysts: It is preferred in the treatment of cysts that form in the ovaries.
• Endometriosis: It is an effective method for clearing tissue foci located outside the uterus.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: It can be applied in cases of ectopic pregnancy detected at an early stage.
• Infertility Investigation: It can be used to investigate the causes of infertility.

How Is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery is a procedure carried out in an operating room setting, generally under general anesthesia. In this method, no large incision is made in the abdominal area; instead, the procedure is performed through several small incisions.

The procedure process:

• The patient is prepared under general anesthesia
• Several small incisions are made in the abdominal area (generally 0.5-1 cm)
• Carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdomen to create a working space
• The camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted
• The operative image is projected onto the screen and the procedure is performed
• After the procedure is completed, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed

The duration of laparoscopic surgery varies according to the type of procedure performed: simple procedures may take 30-60 minutes, while more complex procedures may take 1-3 hours.

Advantages and Risks of Laparoscopic Surgery

Advantages:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain
• Faster recovery process
• Shorter hospital stay
• Fewer surgical scars
• A quicker return to daily life

Possible risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to neighboring organs (rare)
• Anesthesia-related complications

These risks are generally low and are minimized by experienced teams.

The Process After Laparoscopic Surgery

The recovery process after laparoscopic surgery is generally faster and more comfortable than after open surgery. Because it is performed through small incisions, tissue damage is less, and patients can return to their daily lives in a short time.

After the operation: discharge is possible the same day or the next day, mild pain and gas discomfort may occur, and daily activities can be resumed in a short time. Although the recovery time varies according to the type of procedure performed, it is generally largely complete within 1-2 weeks.

What should be considered?

• Heavy lifting should be avoided
• The medications prescribed by the doctor should be taken regularly
• Incision sites should be kept clean
• Follow-up visits should not be missed

The Difference Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery:

• Performed through small incisions
• Provides less pain and faster recovery
• Hospital stay is short

Open Surgery:

• Performed through a large incision
• The recovery period is longer
• Provides a wider surgical field

Who Is Laparoscopic Surgery Suitable For?

Laparoscopic surgery is a suitable method for many patients. However, it may not be preferred in every situation. Suitable situations include patients in good general health, masses that are not large, and diseases that have not spread. The most appropriate method is determined through a doctor’s evaluation.

Pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery may be possible depending on the procedure performed; particularly after endometriosis treatment, release of adhesions, and removal of cysts, the chance of pregnancy may increase.