Over the past few years, laparoscopic surgery has become a more popular form of surgery, especially in the abdomen area. Common conditions treated with laparoscopic surgery include gallbladder disease, endometriosis, removal of the intestines, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and appendicitis.
What is Laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a video camera and thin instruments to perform the surgery. A small incision that is at most a half an inch is made, and then plastic tubes, known as ports, are entered through the incisions. The ports then allow access for the cameras and instruments, allowing the surgeon to see inside the patient and perform the surgery. The video camera works as the surgeon’s eyes, transmitting the necessary images of the organ onto a television monitor. The instruments act as the surgeon’s hands, performing the necessary actions. This allows the surgery to be done without needing a large incision.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery has become more popular due to its many benefits. Patients have quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays, less post-operative discomfort, and can return to full activity in a less amount of time. Additionally, there is less internal scarring, and much smaller scars on the skin. Despite the much smaller incisions, laparoscopic surgery has risks similar to other surgeries.
Does Laparoscopic Surgery Leave Scars?
Laparoscopic surgery still requires a small incision, which has the potential of leaving a scar. Surgeons often choose to make the incision in areas that are easily hidden or not noticeable, such as in the navel.
Read: Scar Healing Time
How to Prevent Scarring
Healing from a laparoscopic surgery is much easier than a traditional surgery. It is less invasive, and the incision is much smaller. For the first few weeks after surgery, it is important to follow proper wound care as you would with any other incision. Always follow doctor’s orders and be careful about moving around too much, as this could reopen the incision. Keep the wound moist, using an anti-bacterial cream and keep it covered until it has time to fully heal. Additionally, do not pick at the scabs. You should also drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet to promote your body’s healing processes. Once the incision area is fully healed, you can use a scar treatment to promote the full healing of the scar.
Read: How to Optimize Scar Healing with Nutrition
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery with many benefits, one of which is a much smaller scar.
Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.
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