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MINIMALLY
invasive.
When those words come from a surgeon, they
may sound like music to a patient’s ears. And today’s
surgeons are orchestrating numerous minimally
invasive surgeries that get people back into the
rhythm of their lives more quickly—and with less
pain—than traditional operations.
How? With laparoscopic surgery.
Tiny cuts
Laparoscopic surgery is done through very small
incisions—usually no more than half an inch wide.
Surgeons use this technique for multiple
procedures, including exploring reproductive
problems, taking biopsies of tumors and removing
gallbladders. It’s even effective for some back
surgeries.
Organs that are sometimes operated on using
laparoscopy include the colon, liver, small intestine
and stomach.
Whatever the reason for laparoscopic surgery, the
six basic steps for performing it are the same:
1
Appropriate anesthesia is administered: either
a general one that puts the patient to sleep or a
regional one that blocks pain while the patient stays
awake.
2
The surgeon makes a small incision in the
abdomen.
3
A narrow tube, called a port, is inserted through
the incision and into the abdomen.
4
To make space for viewing and operating on
pelvic organs, the abdomen is filled with gas (usually
carbon dioxide).
5
A laparoscope—a thin, lighted tube with an
attached camera—is inserted into the port. Images
from the camera are shown on a video monitor for
the surgeon to view.
6
Additional small incisions may be made if the
doctor needs to use other instruments, such as
forceps.
Small incisions,
GET THE FACTS
Is minimally invasive surgery
right for you? Ask your doctor.
To find a doctor,
visit
Tarek Khalife, MD
OB/GYN
Aspirus Grand View
Ironwood Clinic
906-932-1500
Tarek Khalife, MD,
specializes in a full
spectrum of minimally
invasive women’s health
procedures, including
diagnostic and surgical
hysterectomy,laparoscopy
and vaginal surgeries.
big benefits
Big gains
Laparoscopic surgery is just as safe as traditional
surgery. And along with smaller incisions, the less
invasive approach offers other benefits, including:
w
Less blood loss.
w
Fewer infections.
w
Less postoperative pain—and less need for pain
medication.
w
Shorter hospital stays.
w
Faster and easier recovery at home.
w
Smaller scars.
Laparoscopic surgery isn’t available for every
operation. But ask your doctor—it just might be
right for you.
Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Society of Colon and
Rectal Surgeons; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
SURGERY
