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Open Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery: Which Is the Best Procedure?

Open Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery: Which Is the Best Procedure?

There are various types of procedures being offered by medical institutions worldwide. While a medical professional is in the best position to decide the right surgery option for you, it is understandable for you to have questions about it. You may have doubts about post-operation pain or injury from the surgery. You must remember that no question is insignificant, and hence, you must never hesitate to ask your doctor.

What Is Open Surgery?

This is a major traditional procedure. Here, the doctor makes a large incision to replace or repair tissue or an organ in the body. The surgeon will use a scalpel to make an incision of up to ten inches to allow access to the organ.

The instruments used in open surgery are typically designed to repair the damage in the organs. For instance, a surgeon may use surgical staplers to remove an organ, cut through tissues or even join two structures.

This type of surgery is crucial in the case of transplants, as large incisions are necessary to remove the damaged organ and replace it with a healthy one. It is also used in a variety of treatments, like the removal of kidney stones.

See Also: Minimally Invasive Surgery: How Does It Work?

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Also known as keyhole surgery, Band-Aid surgery, diagnostic laparoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy is a surgery that is initiated by a small incisor. It is less painful than other surgeries and is typically used to diagnose and treat organs inside the pelvic or abdomen region.

The key components used in this surgery are a laparoscope (a long and thin tube) assembled with a high-resolution camera. It is generally used to examine the abdominal organs. This instrument is inserted through the incision. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor for the surgeon to see. It is used in various treatments like appendicitis, tubal ligation, hysterectomy, etc.

Difference between Open Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery

The major difference between open surgery and laparoscopic surgery is the size of the incision. Open surgery is a traditional procedure in which a single incision, multiple inches long if not more, is made to access the abdomen.

In contrast, laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses several incisions of one-quarter or less. Here, the surgeon uses a special laparoscope tool that helps perform procedures using very small incisions. Laparoscopy uses more advanced techniques as compared to open surgery. Hence, many people prefer laparoscopy over open surgery.

Moreover, an individual requires more time to recover after open surgery compared to a laparoscopy surgery. According to reports, a laparoscopic approach generally causes less blood loss, less trauma, and provides a faster recovery with reduced hospitalization as compared to open surgery.

However, laparoscopic does require general anesthesia, and it costs more than open surgery. It also has certain limitations for people with medical conditions like heart disease, obesity, etc. whereas open surgery costs less and can be performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. However, it can cause longer stays at the hospital, larger scars, more pain, and higher risks of complications like infection and bleeding.

Open Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery: Which One Is Best for Me?

With increased public awareness and growing advances in minimal access surgery, one of the questions people ask the most is whether they should go for open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In most cases, a minimally invasive approach might not be feasible, and an open surgery could have a better outcome.

However, sometimes, it can be the opposite. Nowadays, many surgeons prefer laparoscopic surgery as it is quick and more advanced. Nonetheless, you should always consult your doctor to know the benefits and risks of each surgery before making your choice.

See Also: Laparotomy and Laparoscopy Surgery: What You Should Know

Final Takeaway

Surgery is a major life event that will alter your future for the better. However, there are certain prices to pay for it. Both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery have their set of pros and cons. So, when you decide what kind of surgery you want to go for, keep in mind the costs and the recovery period.


Are you looking for laparoscopic surgery in Anchorage, AK? At Far North Surgery, we have a team of the best surgeons in Anchorage who can help you with safe and successful surgical procedures by combining the best quality equipment with best-in-class patient care. Contact our medical team to schedule an appointment for surgery now.

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