Until the late 1990s, surgery on the abdomen, whether it was to remove an appendix or a cancerous tumour, was done using open surgery. The surgeon opened up the abdomen, did what was necessary, and then closed the wound with stitches.
Recovery times were long and people experienced a lot of pain afterwards. Although the results were eventually worthwhile, the whole experience was difficult and large scars were the norm.
Laparoscopic surgery offers a much better patient experience with:
- Shorter recovery times
- Much less post-operative pain
- Minimal scarring
All of the above are possible with the same medical success rates as open surgery.
What is a laparoscopic surgery performed?
Laparoscopic surgery, often called keyhole surgery, avoids a large incision. A series of four to five small incisions are made around the abdomen. A laparoscope, a thin tube containing a powerful camera, is inserted through one of the ports in the skin. Miniature surgical instruments, also carried on long thin supports, are inserted through the other ports.
Images from the camera are projected on to a large screen in the operating room, and the surgeon uses these as an accurate guide to perform the surgery inside the body.
Laparoscopic surgery available from Mr Imber
The technique requires specialist skills; Mr Charles Imber has trained for many years to gain the necessary expertise and he offers:
- Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery
- Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
- Laparoscopic appendicectomy (including 24/7 access in emergency cases)
- Laparoscopic liver and pancreatic resections
- Laparoscopic splenectomy (spleen removal)
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is is a “keyhole” operation used to remove the gallbladder. This operation in the past was performed as an open operation necessitating several days in hospital, but now is commonly a day case. 3 or 4 small incisions are made (5-10mm) and a camera is placed into the abdomen through which the operation can be watched on a tv monitor. Ports are placed through which instruments are introduced to perform the operation. The gallbladder is disconnected from the bile duct and dissected off the liver. It is then removed from one of the port sites in a bag.