Minimally-invasive surgery, primarily using laparoscopy, has dramatically changed the way that Cooper surgeons perform many abdominal procedures, including procedures for appendicitis, colon cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hernias. A laparoscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision (cut). It brings light into the abdomen so the surgeon can see inside. He/she can repair the problem by inserting tiny surgical instruments through other small incisions in the abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery minimizes the trauma to the body caused by traditional surgery on internal organs. With no need for a long incision through the muscular abdominal wall, there are fewer post-operative problems. Laparoscopy results in significantly less pain than traditional surgery, dramatically reducing the need for strong pain medications and the drowsiness, fatigue, and unsteadiness that accompany these medications. Patients can return to their normal activities in a fraction of the time that would be necessary with traditional surgery.
Laparoscopy is done using general anesthesia. Some patients can go home the same day. Others need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Cooper surgeons also use the daVinci® Surgical System, a laparoscopic surgical robot, to perform some colon procedures. Cooper is the only hospital in South Jersey - and one of just 200 nationwide - that has the daVinci® Surgical System, which combines computer technology and the surgeon’s skill. The surgeon makes three small incisions in the patient, and inserts the robotic arms (two for surgical instruments and the third for a tiny video camera). He/she performs the procedure while seated as a computer console, where the camera transmits a 3-dimensional magnified image of the patient’s insides. Abdominal procedures performed with the daVinci® Surgical System require general anesthesia and a hospital stay.
Minimally invasive surgery isn’t right for all patients. Before any surgery, the Cooper surgeon will discuss the procedure, including whether to use a minimally invasive or traditional procedure, with the patient in detail.
For more information on Minimally Invasive Surgery options available at Cooper University Hospital or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper physician, please call our referral and information line at 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737).
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Adrenal Surgery
One or both adrenal glands may need to be removed surgically when the body produces too much of the adrenal hormones (in conditions like aldosteronoma, Conn’s syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, or a growing mass). Cooper surgeons routinely use laparascopy for this procedure.
Appendix Surgery
Appendicitis is an infection in the appendix. When complications such as bursting (perforation), inflammation (peritonitis), or an abscess are likely, the appendix must be removed surgically. Cooper surgeons can use laparascopy to remove the appendix.
Colon Surgery
With traditional surgery, removing part of the colon is a major operation. Cooper surgeons often use laparascopy to do the same operation through many tiny incisions. Laparoscopy can be used for diverticulosis of the colon, inflammatory stricture of the intestine (such as Crohn’s disease), and polyps that are too large to be removed by colonoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery for certain colon cancers is becoming more common.
Gallbladder Surgery
Cholesterol and bile salts (bilirubin) can accumulate in the gallbladder or bile ducts to form gallstones. If gallstones continue to grow, they can cause pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating, and indigestion. Once gallstones start causing symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder and the gallstones within it (cholecystectomy) is recommended. Cooper surgeons usually use laparoscopy laparascopy to remove the gallbladder and gallstones.
Hernia Surgery
When an abdominal hernia causes pain or becomes twisted and cannot return to its normal location (incarceration), it must be repaired surgically. If blood supply to the area becomes constricted (strangulated hernia), emergency surgery is necessary.
Cooper surgeons use laparascopy to repair a hernia through small incisions in the skin in the area above the hernia. They use mesh to reinforce the muscles around the hernia. Laparoscopy is ideal for people with recurrent hernias or hernias on both sides, or people with very active lifestyles who need to return to normal activity within a few days.
Reflux Surgery
 Surgery is sometimes recommended for serious or severely symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that has not responded to other treatments like lifestyle/diet modification and drugs. Endoscopy may be used to examine the esophagus to determine whether surgery can help. Laparascopy has transformed treatment for severe GERD. Cooper surgeons now perform a laparoscopic procedure (fundoplication) with a few tiny incisions instead of a major abdominal cut that leaves a long scar.
Spleen Surgery
People with certain blood disorders may need to have their spleen removed (spleenectomy). Cooper surgeons routinely use laparascopy to remove the spleen.
Colon Surgery
With traditional surgery, removing part of the colon is a major operation. Cooper surgeons can use robotic-assisted laparoscopy (the daVinci® Surgical System) to do the same operation through three small incisions. They can use robotic-assisted laparoscopy for diverticulosis of the colon, inflammatory stricture of the intestine (such as Crohn’s disease), and polyps that are too large to be removed by colonoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery for certain colon cancers is becoming more common.
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