Laparoscopic surgery is performed using an instrument called a laparoscope, a thin, lighted telescope that is inserted through a tiny, ½ -inch incision made in the navel. The laparoscope allows your doctor to see and operate in the abdomen without having to use a long incision. Two or three smaller incisions are made along the sides of the abdomen, to allow passage of highly specialized surgical instruments.

Laparoscopic techniques allow surgery to be performed with less trauma to patients, and minimal damage to body tissues. This often means fewer days in the hospital, and much less pain during recovery. In many cases, patients go home the same day or the next morning.

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(note these forms are in pdf format)