title: General considerations when planning laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: The first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 1985 and since then the growth of technology and innovation in laparoscopic surgery has been phenomenal. Today, operations can be performed through a single incision in the umbilicus or through a natural orifice such as the vagina, leaving no visible scars. Major operations such as colonic resections are now routinely performed using a laparoscopic approach. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery include reduced postoperative pain, improved cosmetic results and patient satisfaction, and reduced hospital stays (Perrin & Fletcher 2004).
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Leicester.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction