Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopy, is used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical issues. During laparoscopic surgical procedures, a tube called an endoscope with a camera on the end is inserted through a tiny incision at the treatment site. This endoscope enables the physician to closely examine the affected area. Surgical instruments are inserted through additional small incisions to treat any identified problems. In the past, all surgery was open surgery, requiring a large incision to ensure visualization of the surgical site. Technological advances of recent decades have brought computers and laparoscopic instruments to the forefront. Minimally invasive surgery, like open surgery, is performed under general anesthesia, but laparoscopic operations offer many advantages to both the doctor and the patient. These benefits may include the following:

After minimally invasive surgery, the patient has a shorter hospital stay than for open surgery. A great many patients who have undergone laparoscopic surgery are able to return home the same day.