Keyhole surgery
Keyhole Surgery (also known as Minimally Invasive Surgery) is surgery performed using long thin instruments which are inserted into the body through very small incisions. Keyhole cuts are typically 5 – 10mm in length and replace the traditional laparotomy (open) cut which can extend over 30cm.
Surgery with this technique into the abdomen is called 'Laparoscopy' or Laparoscopic Surgery, and into the thorax (chest) is call ‘Thoracoscopy’ or Thoracoscopic Surgery.
The advantages of keyhole surgery in comparison to laparotomy include;
Reduced post-operative pain
Reduced pain related complications
Shorter duration of hospital stay.
Reduced internal and external scarring
Quicker recovery and return to work
Aesthetically (cosmetically) more pleasing results