Surgery·Surgery
Day of laparoscopy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery. Instead of one large cut, the surgeon makes a few small cuts in your belly and uses a thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) to see inside. This often means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery than open surgery.
Key facts
- Laparoscopy is also called keyhole or minimally invasive surgery.
- It is used for many procedures, such as removing the gallbladder, appendix, or part of the bowel.
- Most people go home the same day or the next day after laparoscopy.
Yes, laparoscopy is very common. Thousands of these procedures are performed every day in hospitals around the world.
Laparoscopy is used for people of all ages, from children to older adults, when they need surgery on their abdomen or pelvis.