Minimally Invasive GI Surgical Procedures

Minimally invasive surgery, or laparoscopic surgery, allows surgeons to operate with smaller incisions. Some even operate with the help of tiny video cameras during surgery.

With minimally invasive surgery, patients will have less pain, less blood loss and smaller scars after surgery. It also helps to lower the risk of infection. Patients often feel better quicker and can leave the hospital sooner. Although there are many benefits, it is not an option for all patients.

Listed below are some types of laparoscopic procedures that are done to treat GI conditions:

Open GI Surgical Procedures

Whenever possible, Penn Medicine performs minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, in some cases, traditional open surgery is necessary.

Traditional open surgical procedures include:

• Abdominal Surgery – Our doctors perform a variety of different abdominal surgeries.
• Adrenalectomy – This surgery removes one or both adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys and make hormones that are needed to help the body work properly.
• Appendectomy – This is a common emergency surgery to remove the appendix.
• Nissen fundoplication – This procedure strengthens the muscle in between the stomach and esophagus tube. It is used to treat patients with severe acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Roux-en-Y – This surgery typically bypasses or connects the intestines. It is commonly used to treat obesity or severe reflux.
• Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) – This is a complex surgery commonly used to treat cancer or other growths in or on the pancreas.