Keyhole surgery is generally considered to be safe, but it is important you understand why you’ve been chosen to have keyhole or laparoscopic surgery and what the advantages, disadvantages, and risks are.
Keyhole surgery allows a surgeon to operate via a small incision in the skin rather than having to create a large cut to operate. It can be used to both diagnose and treat various conditions.
Keyhole surgery is carried out using imaging equipment called a laparoscope. This is inserted via the incision to show the target area to the surgeon. They can then insert surgical equipment through the incision to carry out the procedure.
Why would you need keyhole surgery?
Keyhole surgery is much less invasive than open surgery. Recovery times tend to be quicker and there are likely to be fewer complications. The smaller incision also means much less scarring, and it is possible to perform it on nearly any organ or part of the body.
All these reasons make it more cost- and time-effective. Surgeons will often recommend keyhole surgery as an alternative to open surgery.
