New Trends in Laparoscopic Surgery.
By Armando Sciullo, DO (Fall 2004)
One of the ongoing goals of medical research is to develop surgical techniques that enhance the body’s natural healing process while minimizing negative side effects and reducing recovery times. As a result, newer "minimally invasive" techniques have become the norm for many surgical procedures.
When it comes to surgery, the term minimally invasive commonly refers to procedures that require smaller incisions and result in shorter recovery times and less scarring. Over the past few decades the development of advanced laparoscopic techniques has enabled surgeons to use the laparoscope for more types of abdominal surgeries. A laparoscope is a small video camera that is placed in the abdomen through a small incision. The camera allows the surgeon to see the organs inside the body without the need for large incisions. With a clear view, he or she is able to perform the procedure with smaller surgical instruments that are inserted through small incisions.
Today, there are a wide variety of conditions that are surgically treated with a laparoscope. Gallbladder disease, removal of the appendix, gastroesophageal reflux, hernias and a variety of gynecological procedures are performed this way.
Most recently, laparoscopy is increasingly being used as an option in the surgical treatment of colon cancer. According to an article in the May 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, research has demonstrated that, when compared to traditional open-abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective alternative for patients whose cancer is confined to the colon. In essence, this important study of nearly 900 cases has given surgeons the necessary scientific data to confirm that laparoscopic techniques are appropriate for colon surgeries.
