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Laparoscopic Surgery

Fast Recovery with Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical method performed through small incisions (0.5-1 cm) in the abdominal wall using a special camera (laparoscope) and thin surgical instruments. This technique offers a much less traumatic experience for patients compared to traditional open surgery. Modern laparoscopic surgery began to be used in gallbladder operations in the late 1980s and is now successfully applied in almost all areas of abdominal surgery. Thanks to continuous technological advances, more and more operations can be safely performed laparoscopically every day.

Who is it Suitable For?

Laparoscopic surgery can be applied in the treatment of the following diseases:

  • Patients with gallstones and acute cholecystitis
  • Patients requiring inguinal, umbilical, and ventral hernia repair
  • Reflux disease (GERD) treatment - fundoplication
  • Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis
  • Obesity surgery candidates (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass)
  • Colorectal diseases (colon cancer, diverticulitis)
  • Patients requiring gynecological surgery (ovarian cyst, fibroid)

Laparoscopic Procedures

Most commonly performed laparoscopic surgical procedures:

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder)

Gold standard method for treating gallstones and inflammation. Gallbladder is removed through 4 small incisions. Patients are usually discharged the same day or next day.

  • ✓Minimal pain and scarring
  • ✓Same-day discharge possible
  • ✓Return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
  • ✓Very low complication rate
  • ✓Surgery duration 30-60 minutes

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (TEP/TAPP)

Minimally invasive repair of inguinal, umbilical, and ventral hernias with mesh. Both groin hernias can be treated in the same session.

  • ✓Less pain than open surgery
  • ✓Single session for bilateral hernias
  • ✓Faster return to work
  • ✓Low recurrence rate (below 1%)

Laparoscopic Fundoplication (Reflux)

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lower esophageal sphincter is strengthened by wrapping gastric fundus around esophagus.

  • ✓Possibility to stop medication use
  • ✓Long-term reflux control
  • ✓Significant increase in quality of life
  • ✓2-3 days hospital stay

Benefits and Expectations

Advantages achieved with laparoscopic surgery:

  • Minimal scarring thanks to small incisions (0.5-1 cm)
  • 50-70% reduction in post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stay (1-2 days)
  • Return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
  • Significant reduction in infection risk
  • Faster return of bowel function
  • Shorter return to work time

⚠️ Results may vary from patient to patient and by surgery type. Some complicated cases may require conversion to open surgery.

Recovery Process

Hospital Stay

Depending on surgery type, same-day or 1-3 days hospital stay required. Pain control is provided and early mobilization is started.

Nutrition

  • • Day 1: Start with liquid foods
  • • Days 2-3: Transition to soft foods
  • • Week 1: Return to normal diet (depending on surgery type)
  • • Avoid gas-producing foods in first days

Activity and Follow-up

  • • First 24 hours: Walking recommended
  • • Week 1: Light activities, showering allowed
  • • Weeks 2-3: Normal daily activities
  • • Weeks 4-6: Heavy lifting and sports
  • • Week 1-2 check-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laparoscopic surgery safer than open surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as open surgery in experienced hands. It also offers significant advantages such as less pain, faster recovery, better cosmetic results, and lower infection risk. However, it may not be suitable for every patient and every surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate the most appropriate method for you.

How soon can I return to work after surgery?

Desk workers can usually return to work within 1 week. For those doing physical work, this period may extend to 2-3 weeks. For jobs requiring heavy lifting, 4-6 weeks of waiting is recommended. The exact duration depends on surgery type and your recovery speed.

Is there a risk of conversion to open surgery?

Yes, in some cases conversion to open surgery may be necessary for safety reasons. This rate varies by surgery type but is generally around 2-5%. Difficulty controlling bleeding, anatomical variations, adhesions, or complications may cause this. This is a normal surgical decision that prioritizes patient safety.

Will surgery scars be noticeable?

Incisions made in laparoscopic surgery are 0.5-1 cm in size. Over time, these scars fade and become almost invisible. Incisions made inside the navel are completely hidden. Open surgery requires 10-20 cm long incisions, so scarring is much more prominent.

Can laparoscopic surgery be applied to all patients?

Laparoscopic surgery is suitable for most patients, but some conditions may create restrictions: advanced heart-lung disease, multiple previous abdominal surgeries (severe adhesions), bleeding disorders, advanced cancer (in some cases). Your surgeon will evaluate your entire condition to determine the most appropriate method.

Book an Appointment for More Information

Book a detailed evaluation appointment to determine the most suitable treatment method for you. Darıca, Kocaeli — 20 minutes from Istanbul's Asian side, 30 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

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