Laparoscopic surgery is performed through smaller incisions rather than larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. The incisions typically measure 0.5 to 1.5 cm. Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities.

Like other minimally invasive procedures, a telescope with a video camera is passed through a small incision into the body. The images are projected onto a monitor in the operating room to give surgeons a view into the body. Other small incisions are made to perform the operation using special instruments.

Laparoscopic surgery: Benefits

• Shorter recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker return to normal daily activities and work
• Less pain
• Less use of pain medicine
• Three small scars instead of one large abdominal scar
• Better cosmetic outcome
• Less incidence of incisional hernia
• Less incidence of adhesions

Our expertise

The University of Florida surgeons at UF Health Jacksonville specialize in a number of laparoscopic surgical procedures, including:

What to expect

The most common preoperative diagnostic studies include needle biopsies, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies and a variety of imaging studies, including a CT scan, MRI and ultrasound.

There is minimal risk in the evaluation process. Some diagnostic procedures and evaluations require no eating for 12 hours before the testing. Your physician will go over any pretest instructions. Upon completion of the studies, an appointment will be made for the patient to meet with the physician to discuss the test results.