General Laparoscopic Procedures for Individuals in the San Diego Area
At Surgical Associates of La Jolla, our surgeons are highly trained in the safe, effective use of the laparoscopic technique. This is a minimally invasive method of surgery that may be applied to a number of procedures that we offer, including bariatric surgery, fundoplication, incisional hernia repair, and solid organ surgery, in addition to the procedures described on this page.
What is laparoscopy?
During a laparoscopic procedure, several small incisions are made in the area to be treated. Carbon dioxide gas is passed into the abdominal cavity in order to move the abdominal wall away from the organs and therefore create a larger area in which to work. Through one of the incisions, the surgeon then inserts a laparoscope. This is a tiny camera that projects the images it records onto a large monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside of the body without having to make a long incision. The advantages of laparoscopy are numerous and include the following:
- Less post-operative discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Smaller, more discrete scars
- Reduced risk of complications
Inguinal Hernia
A hernia is a condition in which an organ, usually part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak area of the abdominal wall. When it occurs in the part of the groin area known as the inguinal canal, it is called an inguinal hernia. The inguinal canal is the passageway between the abdomen and the reproductive organs. The abdominal wall in this area may be weaker than that of other areas if the inguinal canal does not close properly after birth. There are other factors, however, that can occur later in life to make this area prone to a hernia, including chronic cough, chronic constipation, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.
Although some inguinal hernias do not manifest symptoms, others may involve pain and/or a heavy sensation in the groin area. Often, the portion of intestine that is protruding through the abdominal wall creates a visible bulge. This bulge may become more obvious when the person is bending over, coughing, or otherwise straining. In some cases, the hernia may become trapped in the opening of the abdominal wall. This can be extremely serious if blood flow to the tissues of the bowels is cut off.
Surgery is often necessary to treat a hernia. During inguinal hernia surgery at our practice serving the San Diego area, the doctor pushes the protruding organ back into the abdominal cavity and repairs the hole in the abdominal wall. Fortunately, advanced technology has made it possible for today's surgeons to treat hernias in a minimally invasive manner. Laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for the long incision associated with traditional hernia surgery and is the favored surgical method among the patients of our La Jolla-based surgical practice.
Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder is located under the liver and is used to store the bile that the liver produces to aid in the digestion of fats. When the flow of bile from the gallbladder becomes obstructed, gallbladder disease may develop. The symptoms of gallbladder disease may include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and other symptoms.
Whereas traditional "open" gall bladder surgery typically involves a five- to eight-inch long incision, laparoscopic gallbladder removal entails several smaller incisions. During laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery at our San Diego-area practice, one of our skilled surgeons inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube attached to a tiny scope or camera, through one of these incisions. The laparoscope allows him a clear view of the internal organs. Special tools are then inserted through the other incisions and used to remove the gallbladder.
Appendectomy
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove an infected appendix. Although the exact cause of an inflamed appendix is usually unknown, appendicitis may occur due to a viral infection of the digestive tract or a blockage in the tube that connects the large intestine to the appendix. Symptoms of appendicitis may include abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, and chills. If left untreated, the appendix may rupture and the infection may spread.
For many patients of our San Diego-area medical practice, an appendectomy can be performed laparoscopically. A laparoscopic appendectomy involves the creation of a number of small incisions through which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera called a laparoscope and the surgical instruments necessary to remove the infected appendix. Because the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see inside the abdominal cavity, the laparoscopic method eliminates the need for the much longer incision associated with a conventional appendectomy.
Contact the Surgical Associates of La Jolla
When performed by a highly trained surgeon, laparoscopic surgery involves less scarring and post-operative pain and a faster healing time when compared to conventional methods. To learn more about the laparoscopic procedures discussed on this and other pages throughout our website, please contact the Surgical Associates of La Jolla, serving the greater San Diego area, today.
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To learn whether your surgery may be performed laparoscopically, please complete the following form to contact the Surgical Associates of La Jolla.
La Jolla Weight Management
Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 730
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 457-4917
Fax: (858) 457-3287
Surgical Associates of La Jolla
Dr. Paul Hyde
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097
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