Minimally Invasive – Laparoscopic Surgery
Surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital were among the first in New England to perform minimally invasive (laparoscopic) abdominal surgery. Their pioneering efforts have led to numerous publications and leadership positions in the national organizations of laparoscopic surgeons. Mass General surgeons have not only developed and implemented these procedures but also have taken a leadership role in teaching new techniques to other surgeons.
Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes referred to as "keyhole surgery." A wide variety of abdominal operations can be performed using these techniques. The common features of each procedure include the use of several small (10mm or less) incisions instead of a long open incision, the use of a small telescope with a video camera attached to visualize the operation, and the use of carbon dioxide to distend the abdominal cavity thereby creating space for the surgeon to work in. Nearly all laparoscopic procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
Prodedures that can be done laparoscopically include:
- Esaphagogastrectomy
- Partial gastrectomy
- Gastric bypass procedures
- Laparoscopic gastric Banding
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Fundoplication anti-reflux surgery for GERD)
- Pancreatectomy
- Splenectomy
- Adrenalectomy
- Colectomy
- Incisional hernia repair
- Inguinal hernia repair
Your surgeon will talk to you about the options for an open versus laparoscopic procedure. While nearly all surgeons can perform basic laparoscopic procedures such as cholecystectomy and hernia reapair, the other procedures are considered advanced laparoscopic procedures and the best results are achieved by surgeons with added training and specialty interest.
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