A laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgery technique that uses cameras and tiny incisions. Dr. Ivy performs his procedures laparoscopically whenever possible.
Laparoscopic Surgery Benefits
Laparoscopic cancer surgery offers many benefits to patients. Foremost, it allows Dr. Ivy to treat cancers and remove tumors without the trauma and pain associated with traditional open surgery, which requires a large incision.
The lack of a large incision means much faster healing, a far lower incidence of surgery side effects such as infection and hernia, less time in the hospital and a quicker return to your normal level of activity.
How Is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?
First, a narrow scope is inserted through a very small incision in the navel. This scope contains a camera and light that allows Dr. Ivy to view the area where surgery is needed. Other specially designed instruments are then inserted through two or three very small abdominal incisions.
After surgery, the instruments are removed, and each incision is closed with a stitch or two. Most incisions are no wider than a dime.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:
- Less pain
- Quicker recovery
- Shorter hospital stays
- Return to your normal activities sooner
- Lower overall cost
- Better quality of life
- Less risk of hernia and infection
- Less scarring
Many cancer surgeries that were once only considered feasible through a large abdominal incision can now be safely performed using laparoscopic techniques. For certain surgeries, Dr. Ivy is able to use the da Vinci Robotic minimally invasive surgery system, which can perform certain advanced functions that current laparoscopic techniques cannot.
Learn more about the da Vinci Robotic system
