Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery is surgery performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall. A telescope usually 10mm in diameter connected to a video camera is passed into the abdomen which allows the surgeon to see what he is doing. The abdominal space is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to maintain an operating field. Various machines are available to provide the ability to cut and seal blood vessels, stapling devices can divide and join bowel and trained laparoscopic surgeons also have the ability to suture within the abdomen using laparoscopic instruments.
Laparoscopic surgery generally results in less post-operative pain and faster patient recovery. Due to the smaller incisions, the cosmetic result is ultimately better and there are some studies suggesting that as you suffer less stress in terms of post-operative pain, there is less suppression of the immune system and ultimately patient outcomes may be better.
The main disadvantage to laparoscopic surgery is that as a surgeon, I am unable to touch the bowel and other tissues and therefore do not have the same tactile feedback that is received at open operations. This can potentially increase the risk of injury to the more delicate tissues and therefore it is important when you are contemplating a laparoscopic procedure that you ensure your surgeon is suitably qualified and trained to perform laparoscopic surgery.