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General Surgery
Most common laparoscopic procedures performed:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The gallbladder is the pear-shaped organ located under the liver that collects and releases bile after eating to help in the digestion process. When the amount of bile and chemicals inside the gallbladder are imbalanced, gallstones may develop and irritate the lining of the bladder, causing heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Gallstones are often treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder, which is not necessary for proper body functioning.
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder for patients with severe gallstones and other bladder problems. This procedure is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US and is safe for most patients with gallbladder problems, except for those who have had previous upper abdominal surgery.
Cholecystectomy can be performed laparoscopically, which involves making several small incisions rather than one large incision to remove the gallbladder with ultrasound guidance. This technique also avoids the need to cut the muscles of the abdomen for access to the gallbladder. A laparoscope and tiny surgical instruments are inserted into these incisions to remove the gallbladder, which is taken out through one of the same incisions. With laparoscopy, patients can return to work more quickly after surgery and have less pain and scarring as well. Most patients can return home the same day.
While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks may include bleeding, infection, injury to the bile duct or injury to the intestines. These risks are considered rare, and can be reduced by choosing an experienced doctor to perform your surgery.
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Laparoscopic Colon Resection for Cancer
Colon resection involves the removal of part of the large intestine, also known as the colon, for the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors, as well as several other conditions. This procedure is usually most effective in stopping the spread of colon cancer and alleviating pain and discomfort for patients.
While colon resection can be performed through a traditional open procedure, most patients now undergo a laparoscopic procedure so that they can benefit from smaller incisions, less scarring and shorter recovery times. Laparoscopic surgery also offers patients less pain and bleeding. Most patients with colon cancer are candidates for laparoscopic colon resection, as the procedure is considered just as safe as traditional surgery.
During this procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions and inserts a laparoscope and tiny surgical instruments into the area to remove the colon. The internal organs can be viewed on a television monitor during the procedure in order to ensure precise removal with minimal harm to surrounding healthy tissue. The colon is removed through the same small incisions. After surgery, patients should get up and walk around the day after surgery, and can usually return to work and other regular activities after a week or two.
Although laparoscopic colon resection is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any type of surgical procedure. Some of these risks include bleeding, infection, leaking where the colon was connected back together, blood clots and damage to surrounding organs. If you experience any troubling symptoms after the colon resection procedure, you should contact your doctor right away.
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Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy for Achalasia
Achalasia is a common condition that causes difficulty swallowing as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles being unable to relax, making it hard for patients to pass food into the stomach. This cause of this condition is unknown, but is believed to involve infections, hereditary factors or abnormalities within the immune system that cause damage to the esophagus.
In addition to having difficulty swallowing, patients with achalasia often experience chest pain, regurgitation and chronic coughing. If left untreated, achalasia may lead to esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus, unwanted weight loss and aspiration pneumonia.
Achalasia can be corrected through a surgical procedure called heller myotomy, which cuts the sphincter muscles that join the esophagus and stomach. This limits the activity of the muscle and allows food to pass more easily into the stomach, relieving most patients of their symptoms. Since the sphincter muscles can longer close completely after this procedure, your surgeon may choose to also perform fundoplication to reduce the risk of the patient developing gastroesophageal reflux.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that involves acid from the stomach flowing back into the esophagus because of malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscular valve that closes after food enters the stomach. Patients with GERD often experience heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and difficulty swallowing. Although GERD is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatment options to manage symptoms, including long-term medication, lifestyle changes or surgery.
Nissen fundoplication involves wrapping part of the stomach, known as the fundus, around the lower esophagus to strengthen the barrier between the stomach and esophagus. This helps prevent reflux as well as the buildup of acid in the esophagus by strengthening the valve. Fundoplication is ideal for patients whose heartburn is not well controlled by medication and for those who do not want to rely on long-term medication to relieve their symptoms.
Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
A hiatal hernia appears when part of the stomach protrudes abnormally into the chest, causing reflux, chest pain, hoarseness and other symptoms. This cause of this condition is unknown, but may be triggered by any other condition that increases abdominal pressure. If left untreated, the stomach and other organs can bulge into the chest. While small hernias can often be treated with H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, many require surgery to relieve symptoms for the patient.
Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is a minimally invasive procedure that restores the affected area back into its normal location in the abdomen, and repairs the diaphragm with sutures. The muscles of the abdominal wall are also strengthened to prevent hernias from occurring in the future. If the patient is experiencing severe reflux, part of the stomach may be wrapped around the esophagus to prevent these symptoms from continuing.
While this procedure can be performed through an open incision, laparoscopy offers the advantages of smaller incisions and imaging guidance to achieve effective results with less scarring and bleeding. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and most patients can return home after an overnight hospital stay. It is considered safe for most patients with a hiatal hernia and carries a minimal risk of bleeding, infection and other mild side effects.
Laparosocopic Colon Resection for Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a common condition that involves the formation of small pouches along the digestive tract. This condition most frequently develops in patients over the age of 40, and affects nearly half the people in the US by the time they reach the age of 60. Diverticulitis can occur anywhere within the digestive tract, but is most common in the colon, and usually develops as a result of pressure on weak areas of the colon caused by aging, lack of fiber and lack of exercise.
Although these pouches are often harmless, they may become infected and lead to pain, fever and nausea. When infected, diverticulitis causes severe abdominal pain that is focused on the left side, similar to appendicitis. Treatment for diverticulitis can vary depending on the severity of the individual condition, but may include rest, dietary changes or surgery.
