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Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery: What’s the Difference?
Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery: What’s the Difference?

The differences between laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery are significant. You might find yourself having to decide when you will have the procedure, which surgeon you will choose to do it, and at which facility you will trust with your surgery and recovery. Often the question of laparoscopic vs. open surgery is discussed. These choices can feel overwhelming, but understanding the two surgical options' differences can ease your stress. 

Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic, involves smaller incisions in the abdomen. The doctor uses a tiny camera to view the area and small tools to perform the surgery. Choosing minimally invasive surgery shortens your recovery time and can lead to less pain and fewer infection chances.  Minimally invasive surgery requires a general anesthetic. If a patient is not healthy enough to be under anesthesia for longer periods of time, minimally invasive procedures may not be ideal, making an open approach a better option.

Open surgery requires a large single incision that makes a cut through the abdominal muscles and can lead to blood loss and infection risk. Open procedures are performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Open surgery often involves a longer hospital stay and greater chances for infection and increased pain.

Despite the seemingly negative impact of having open surgery, there are times where it is medically advised and necessary. Patients who have a history of prior surgeries in the same area may have scar tissue build-up, making minimally invasive surgery not the best option. The scar tissue can sometimes make it difficult and unsafe to proceed laparoscopically. Blood thinners also increase a patient's risk of bleeding when performed laparoscopically compared to open surgery.

While each of these types of surgery has its benefits, it is important to discuss your doctor's options to decide what surgery is right for you. Each case is individual, and there are some circumstances where a minimally invasive approach is not the best option, making an open procedure a more likely outcome for the patient. Both procedures are still being practiced actively, and the choice between the two options is best to be decided between the patient and their surgeon.

Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic surgery and has performed over 10,000 laparoscopic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success.

The differences between laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery are significant. You might find yourself having to decide when you will have the procedure, which surgeon you will choose to do it, and at which facility you will trust with your surgery and recovery. Often the question of laparoscopic vs. open surgery is discussed. These choices can feel overwhelming, but understanding the two surgical options' differences can ease your stress.

Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic, involves smaller incisions in the abdomen. The doctor uses a tiny camera to view the area and small tools to perform the surgery. Choosing minimally invasive surgery shortens your recovery time and can lead to less pain and fewer infection chances.  Minimally invasive surgery requires a general anesthetic. If a patient is not healthy enough to be under anesthesia for longer periods of time, minimally invasive procedures may not be ideal, making an open approach a better option.

Open surgery requires a large single incision that makes a cut through the abdominal muscles and can lead to blood loss and infection risk. Open procedures are performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Open surgery often involves a longer hospital stay and greater chances for infection and increased pain.

Despite the seemingly negative impact of having open surgery, there are times where it is medically advised and necessary. Patients who have a history of prior surgeries in the same area may have scar tissue build-up, making minimally invasive surgery not the best option. The scar tissue can sometimes make it difficult and unsafe to proceed laparoscopically. Blood thinners also increase a patient's risk of bleeding when performed laparoscopically compared to open surgery.

While each of these types of surgery has its benefits, it is important to discuss your doctor's options to decide what surgery is right for you. Each case is individual, and there are some circumstances where a minimally invasive approach is not the best option, making an open procedure a more likely outcome for the patient. Both procedures are still being practiced actively, and the choice between the two options is best to be decided between the patient and their surgeon.

Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic surgery and has performed over 10,000 laparoscopic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success.