Laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract

Therapeutic laparoscopic surgical procedures have rapidly become well established. Two commonly stated advantages are decreased postoperative pain and shortened hospitalization and recovery times in comparison with an open surgical procedure. Currently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the procedure of choice for most patients with symptomatic gallstones, and many stones in the common bile duct can be retrieved by laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a reasonable alternative with improved diagnostic capabilities in comparison with open appendectomy. Laparoscopic antireflux procedures, bowel resections, and repair of inguinal hernias are being performed in ever-increasing numbers; however, long-term results for these procedures are needed and are unavailable at the present time. Various diagnostic and palliative procedures can be done with use of laparoscopic techniques; they provide effective management with minimal perioperative morbidity. Solid organ resections can be safely undertaken laparoscopically in selected patients in whom the target organ is not massively enlarged. Currently, the indications for laparoscopic operations continue to broaden; however, long-term evaluation of laparoscopic surgical results and further improvements in technique and instrumentation are necessary before the appropriate and complete spectrum of laparoscopic surgical procedures will be realized.