Laparoscopy
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What is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a type of surgery involving the use of small cameras to perform surgery with smaller incisions. These surgeries typically involve multiple small incisions ranging in size from about 0.5cm to 1.5cm. The main reason to perform laparoscopy is to allow the surgeon to conduct the same surgery with smaller incisions to allow for a quicker recovery, less pain, and less risk of wound complications such as hernias or infections.
Laparoscopy has been around since the 1980s and has significantly improved over the last few decades. More intricate surgery can be performed using a laparoscopic technique with equal or better outcomes. Some typical surgeries done using laparoscopy include those for the gallbladder, appendix, hernia, colon, spleen, and weight loss. They can be performed on both an elective or emergent basis safely.
What to Expect Before Your Laparoscopic Surgery
Depending on the type of surgery needed, your surgeon will determine if laparoscopic surgery is right for you. Your surgeon will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any procedure they perform. Ensure your surgeon knows of any medical conditions you have, all prior surgeries you have had, any medications you may be taking, and any allergies you may have. This will help ensure that you have the best outcome possible.
If you are having your surgery done at Treasure Valley Hospital, you will schedule an appointment with our Pre-Admission Testing department. This visit a couple of days prior to your surgery will take care of much of the paperwork and preparation and hopefully reduce your wait time on the day of your procedure.
If your surgery is done electively, your surgeon will likely tell you not to eat anything the night before. Your surgeon may ask you to scrub your abdomen with a special soap. Your physician will also let you know which medications you should or should not take before surgery. Make sure to come at your scheduled time to the Admissions Desk to ensure no delays in your schedule. Be aware that your time may change due to uncontrollable factors, but everyone in the hospital is working hard to ensure that your surgery and safety are a top priority.
If your surgery is done on a more urgent basis, some of these steps may occur while you are already hospitalized.
What to Expect During the Day of Surgery
Once in the preoperative area at Treasure Valley Hospital, you will likely receive an IV. You may require additional tests before the surgery. Family is generally allowed in the preoperative area, but once you are taken back to the operating room, they will need to go to the waiting area.
Once in the operating room, you will be transferred to a smaller, narrower bed. A blood pressure cuff will be applied to your arm, and you will have stockings placed on your legs to prevent blood clots. You will then receive anesthesia. Catheters and other lines may be placed once you are asleep to ensure comfort.
What to Expect After Surgery
After surgery, you will go to the recovery area. You will still have your stockings, blood pressure cuff, and IV in place, but you may have other tubes or catheters still in place from surgery that will be removed at a later time. If you are having outpatient surgery, these will all be removed, and when safe, you will be discharged home with someone to drive you there safely. It is best to have someone to watch you overnight, as you may have difficulty moving around or issues with pain most noticeable the first night after surgery. If you stay overnight in the hospital, you will be transferred to your nursing room where you will recover. Your surgeon should go over this in detail before your surgery.
Things to Look Out for After Surgery
While every person and every surgery are different, some factors are similar for most laparoscopic surgeries. Make sure to keep your incisions clean and follow your surgeon's instructions about taking care of them. You will be given restrictions on when you can drive and when you can resume regular activity. Please avoid heavy lifting for the length of time designated by your surgeon to prevent wound complications or the development of hernias. Adhering to your pain regimen will help keep you comfortable; however, if your pain is uncontrolled, please notify your physician.
You may have a drain that will require monitoring and will be removed in the office. Please follow up as scheduled for your postoperative appointment. Also, let your physician know if you notice a fever, significant redness at the incision site, purulent drainage, nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass flatus or stool. This may be a sign of a developing complication. By doing these things, you can ensure the best possible outcome from your surgery.
Why Choose Treasure Valley Hospital for Laparoscopic Surgery?
One of the most important decisions patients will make concerning surgery is determining WHERE to have the surgery. At Treasure Valley Hospital we focus on patient safety as our number-one priority and offer pre-registration and will schedule pre-admission testing prior to patient procedures. At TVH we constantly strive to offer the best individualized care possible. Patient care surveys have determined that TVH consistently receives excellent marks for overall hospital experience and shorter wait times. With low nurse-to-patient ratios, our patients are given superior personal attention. We are committed to offering high-quality surgical care at lower costs to our patients and perform over 6,000 surgeries a year in state-of-the-art surgical operating suites. Treasure Valley Hospital in Boise, Idaho is recognized as the #1 Physician-Owned Hospital. Our physicians have their own independent local practices and serve the community, not hospital administrators.
If you wonder if laparoscopic surgery is a solution for you, please contact your physician for a consultation. To determine if your physician has privileges with Treasure Valley Hospital, ask them, or visit our Doctors page. For questions about Treasure Valley Hospital in Boise, Idaho, please call us at (208) 373-5000 or submit a contact form.