A laparoscopic operation is watched by a small camera inserted into the abdomen that gives the surgeon a view of the surgery on a television screen.  Laparoscopic surgery is often much less traumatic and bloodless compared to traditional open surgery because the surgeon can’t do the operation if there is a lot of blood obscuring his view on the televison screen.

As laparoscopic surgery is less traumatic, the patient is much less stressed by their surgery, with smaller wounds, less pain, quicker return to mobilisation, quicker resumption of normal diet and quicker return to work and normal activities.

Laparoscopic surgery also gives a reduced hospital stay, reduced after care needs in the community, reduced wound infections and reduced adhesions and hernia complications.

It is important to note that laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate for all patients.  In some patients it proves too technically difficult to proceed with keyhole surgery and the surgeon then needs to convert to traditional open surgery.  Laparoscopic surgery can be difficult in obese patients, patients with lots of inflammation or large masses and patients who have already undergone many abdominal operations.

However, the majority of patients are able to undergo laparoscopic surgery and it is becoming more and more popular worldwide.