Laparoscopy

Rush surgeons use laparoscopy to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. During a laparoscopic procedure, we make one or more small incisions. Through these incisions, we insert a scope (a small, thin tube fitted with a camera) and any needed surgical tools.

Laparoscopy is just one type of minimally invasive procedure commonly performed at Rush hospitals. Other types include robotic surgery and interventional radiology procedures.

Benefits of Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy involves smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. For that reason, it can offer the following benefits:

• Less pain
• Less need for pain medicines since you have less pain
• Reduced scarring
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster return to work and favorite activities

Diseases Treated With Laparoscopy at Rush

Many Rush surgeons have received additional training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. They use laparoscopic approaches to diagnose or treat many diseases and conditions, including the following:

• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Genitourinary cancers
• Gynecologic cancers
• Hiatal hernia
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Inguinal hernia
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure (cirrhosis)
• Obesity (bariatric surgery)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Umbilical hernia

While minimally invasive approaches, like laparoscopy, offer many benefits, it's not always the best choice. In some cases, traditional open surgery may be a better or only option. We will explain your options and their benefits and risks with you.

Rush Excellence in Laparoscopy

• Pioneers in minimally invasive surgery: Rush surgeons were among the first in Illinois to perform several laparoscopic techniques that are now considered standard. For instance, transplant surgeons at Rush were the first in Illinois to perform performed single-incision laparoscopic surgery to remove a kidney from a living kidney donor.
• Modern-day innovators: Rush surgeons continue to set industry standards, performing complex surgeries laparoscopically, such as bariatric surgery and liver resection (removal of some or all of the liver). If you've been told you need traditional, open surgery with a large incision, you may want to consult with a Rush surgeon to see if there is a minimally invasive option.
• Improving patient outcomes: Before, during and after your surgery, our surgical staff follow evidence-based best practices to help ensure you have the best possible outcomes, prevent any infections and safely keep your pain under control. The protocols we follow vary depending on your surgery. But it might involve giving you antibiotics, minimizing the incisions we make, treating pain with non-opioid medication or getting you out of bed quickly after your procedure.