Also known as keyhole surgery, a laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the abdomen and pelvis. It allows a surgeon to perform surgery that results in less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications than in open surgery.

If you need surgery for weight loss, reflux, or hernias, a consultation with at Bay Surgery in Tauranga can help you understand if laparoscopy is an option for you.

What happens during a laparoscopy?

In laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon uses a laparoscope – a small tube with a camera and a light – to perform a procedure while only making small ‘keyhole’ sized cuts. Linked to a television screen, the camera lets the surgeon to see inside your abdomen instead of having to open up a large section of your body.

If you are having a laparoscopic surgery, you will be put under general anaesthetic, so you will not be awake during the procedure. The surgeon will make small incisions into the skin and insert the surgical tools. They will also put a tube into your abdomen that pumps gas making it easier for them to see. After the operation, the gas is let out and the incisions are stitched up.

Which surgeries can be done laparoscopically?

Many abdominal and pelvic surgeries can be done via laparoscopy, including several gynaecological, gastroenterological, and urological procedures. At Bay Surgery, Dr Danial Mafi can perform a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, anti-reflux surgery, and hernia surgery.

What are the benefits of a laparoscopy over open surgery?

Laparoscopy is less invasive, which promotes quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain, bleeding, and scarring. With a successful laparoscopy, you can get back to your normal life faster, from playing sports to picking up the kids to heavy lifting.

What are the risks?

There are risks with any surgery, but the smaller incision and less invasive nature of a laparoscopy significantly reduces the chance of complications.

For abdominal surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy, reflux surgery, and hernias, abdominal infection is serious. While it can happen with a laparoscopy, the risk is very low.

While rare, injury to abdominal or pelvic organs – such as the bowel or spleen – can occur during abdominal surgery, including laparoscopy.

There is a small (less than 2 percent) chance that a laparoscopy will have to convert to open surgery because of technical challenges or complications during the procedure. In this instance, the recovery would take longer.  

There are also medical and anaesthetic risk associated with any operation.

Laparoscopic surgery in Tauranga

Dr Daniel Mafi is a specialist surgeon with extensive training and experience in laparoscopies. For more information on surgery for weight loss, reflux, or hernias, book a consultation at Bay Surgery today.

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