Keyhole Surgery
First used in 1987 Keyhole surgery was used in the removal of a gallbladder.
Unlike previous 'conventional' surgery, keyhole surgery uses much smaller incisions. Therefore decreasing both the pain and discomfort felt after surgery and also the recovery time. In addition, because the incisions are so much smaller there is less chance for infection.
During the procedure two to three small incisions are made into the abdomen. Air is then pumped into the abdominal cavity to allow free access for the instruments. The surgical instruments are passed through one of the incisions and a fiber optic camera and light source is passed through one of the other incisions, allowing the surgeon to 'see', where there instruments are moving.
The surgical procedure can then be performed using a number of surgical instruments including lasers and stapling devices. Keyhole surgery has now been performed in a number of surgical procedures, which include gastrointestinal repair, removal of appendix, gynecological operations and more recently a coronary artery bypass graft.
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