Doç. Dr. Cengiz ANDANOnline
What is laparoscopic surgery? Learn about the benefits of keyhole surgery for hysterectomy, fibroids, and cysts. Experience painless, scar-free, and rapid recovery in Istanbul with Dr. Cengiz Andan.
One of the greatest advancements in modern medicine is the shift towards Minimally Invasive Surgery, aiming to minimize the trauma inflicted on patients during operations. In the past, gynecological surgeries required large abdominal incisions (open surgery/laparotomy). Today, these have largely been replaced by Laparoscopic Surgery, commonly known as Keyhole Surgery.
Laparoscopy is a surgical technique performed without making a large cut on the abdomen. Instead, 3-4 tiny incisions (0.5 – 1 cm) are made around the navel and lower abdomen. Through one of these ports, a high-definition camera (optic) is inserted, magnifying the internal organs 10-15 times on a monitor. The surgeon performs the operation using slender instruments inserted through the other ports, guided by the detailed view on the screen.
At Dr. Cengiz Andan’s Clinic in Istanbul, we prioritize our patients’ post-operative comfort and cosmetic concerns. From hysterectomies to complex cancer surgeries, we prefer advanced laparoscopic techniques over open surgery. This guide explores why laparoscopy is the “Gold Standard” and how it transforms the patient experience.
Patients often ask, “Why should I have keyhole surgery instead of open surgery?” Laparoscopic surgery offers undeniable benefits over traditional methods in terms of both medical outcomes and patient comfort:
With advancements in technology and surgical expertise, many complex operations that were once thought to be “open surgery only” are now safely performed via laparoscopy. Dr. Cengiz Andan successfully performs the following procedures:
When the uterus needs to be removed due to fibroids, bleeding, or prolapse, it can be done entirely through keyhole incisions (Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – TLH). The uterus is removed through the vagina, leaving no large scars on the abdomen.
This preserves the uterus while removing only the fibroids. Regardless of the size or number of fibroids, skilled hands can remove them laparoscopically. Large fibroids are cut into strips inside the abdomen using a device called a “morcellator” and removed through a 1 cm hole.
Simple cysts, dermoid cysts, or chocolate cysts (endometriomas) are peeled away and removed without damaging healthy ovarian tissue. This is the ideal method for preserving ovarian reserve.
Laparoscopy is safely used for uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Detailed procedures like lymph node removal are performed with greater clarity thanks to camera magnification.
For a prolapsed uterus or vagina, a synthetic mesh is used to suspend the organs to the sacrum (tailbone). It has the highest success rate for prolapse treatment.
Laparoscopic surgery is extremely comfortable for the patient. It is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are completely asleep. The abdomen is inflated with harmless Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas to create working space for the surgeon.
Post-Surgery:
Once the operation is over, the gas is released. You wake up with small bandages, not large dressings. You can drink water and start walking 4-6 hours after surgery. Early walking helps prevent gas pain. Patients are usually discharged the next morning. After 2-3 days of rest at home, you can return to your routine, avoiding heavy lifting for a short period.
Laparoscopic surgery is “big surgery through small holes.” Therefore, the surgeon’s experience, the quality of equipment, and anatomical knowledge are the keys to success.
Answer: Yes. The size of the mass is rarely a barrier. Even 15-20 cm masses can be managed laparoscopically. Large masses are placed in a bag inside the abdomen and cut into smaller pieces (morcellated) to be pulled out through the tiny incisions.
Answer: Absolutely. Previous surgeries may cause adhesions, requiring care during the initial entry. However, an experienced surgeon can safely navigate these adhesions and even clear them during the laparoscopic procedure.
Answer: It depends on the procedure. A simple cyst removal may take 30-45 minutes, while a complex cancer surgery or multiple fibroid removal can take 2-3 hours. Generally, the duration is similar to open surgery.
Answer: Usually not. The tiny incisions are often closed with absorbable (aesthetic) sutures or special medical glue, so there is no need for stitch removal.
Answer: No. In experienced hands, the risk of complications (infection, wound opening, hernia, bleeding) is actually lower than in open surgery. However, since it requires specialized training, the surgeon’s experience is the most important factor for safety.
Dr. Cengiz Andan is committed to utilizing the most advanced technological opportunities in women’s health to restore you to health with minimum pain and maximum comfort.
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