Advancements in medical technology have made surgical procedures far safer and more comfortable than in the past. Today, many common operations — including appendectomy, gallbladder removal, and hernia repair — as well as more complex surgeries such as for reflux, obesity, spleen disorders, and tumors, can be performed through minimally invasive methods. These techniques involve very small incisions, leading to shorter recovery times and significantly reduced pain and infection risks after surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery has been in use for over 25 years. Initially reserved for simpler procedures, it is now widely applied in even complex operations thanks to advanced surgical equipment. The procedure involves entering the abdomen through a few millimeter-sized incisions using a fiberoptic camera and specialized instruments. The camera provides a magnified view, typically 10–12 times larger, enabling the surgeon to operate with enhanced precision and minimal tissue trauma.
In traditional open surgery, the abdominal wall is fully opened, which prolongs healing, leaves visible scars, and exposes internal organs to greater trauma. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, avoids these disadvantages with smaller incisions and better cosmetic outcomes. The magnified visual field also allows surgeons to access and treat hard-to-reach areas with great accuracy.
Minimally invasive surgery is not limited to general surgery — it is also widely used in gynecological procedures. Hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometrioma removal, and tubal surgeries can all be performed laparoscopically. For more information, you can visit our Gynecological Examination and Molar Pregnancy pages.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery offers numerous advantages. Smaller incisions mean minimal scarring and better cosmetic results. Postoperative recovery is more comfortable, with significantly less pain. Compared to traditional open procedures, hospital stays are much shorter — many patients are discharged within one or two days. Recovery is faster, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner.
The risk of infection and complications like incisional hernias is also reduced. Another major advantage is the preservation of internal organ function, as laparoscopy causes less trauma and drying to the tissues — issues that are more common with open surgery.
Tubal Surgery and Treatment of Blocked Tubes
Tubal surgery is used to treat infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes. In many centers, IVF is the first line of treatment in such cases. However, in many advanced countries, laparoscopy and microsurgical techniques are used to reopen the tubes, offering women a chance to conceive naturally. In cases where blockage is near the end of the tube, a technique called fimbrioplasty may be used to increase the chances of pregnancy.
In women who have had tubal ligation but later wish to conceive, laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis — reconnecting the fallopian tubes — can result in pregnancy success rates of up to 60%. In suitable cases, this should be considered before proceeding to IVF.
Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy refers to implantation of pregnancy tissue in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove the pregnancy. In some cases, the affected tube is completely removed (salpingectomy), while in others the pregnancy is removed but the tube is preserved (salpingotomy), helping maintain fertility for future pregnancies.
Ovarian Surgery
Laparoscopy can be used to remove ovarian cysts, including endometriomas (chocolate cysts), serous cysts, and dermoid cysts. This approach is both more precise and easier to recover from. In cases of endometriosis — where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus — laparoscopy improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of internal scarring.
Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)
Fibroids are benign tumors arising from the uterine muscle wall. Submucosal fibroids, which extend into the uterine cavity, may cause heavy bleeding, anemia, and infertility. These can be removed laparoscopically, without large incisions, offering faster recovery, less pain, and improved cosmetic results. For larger or hard-to-reach fibroids, robotic surgery (such as with the da Vinci system) may be preferred. Robotic arms mimic the surgeon’s hand movements, allowing for more precise suturing and control.
Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery can be performed in almost all age groups. However, factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s general health, and any previous surgeries must be carefully evaluated. Robotic surgery may offer additional benefits for patients with obesity or a high risk of internal adhesions.
