Advantages/ Disadvantages

Advantages of Laparoscopic surgery

Patients have less pain. The scars are much smaller than with open surgery. Hospital stay is shortened to 2-3 days as long as there are no complications. There is an earlier return to normal activities and a lower incidence of some complications such as hernia and wound infection which is more commonly seen in patients who have open surgery.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopic surgery

Not all patients may be suitable for laparoscopic surgery. Reasons for this may include patients who are known to have adhesions from previous surgey and those who may be too big and the laparoscopic instruments are not long enough to perform the surgery. Some patients may have to be converted to an open operation (and lose the benefits of laparoscopic surgery) if technical problems arise.

Advantages of Open Surgery

All patients can have their procedure successfully completed. It is sometimes quicker and safer to perform than laparoscopic surgery.

Disadvantages of Open Surgery

More pain results in increased need for pain relief. Independence and return of bowel function is slower which tends to prolong hospital stay to 5-7 days(without complication). A larger scar is produced. Patients will have more intrabdominal adhesions developing as a result of open surgery which may make revisional surgery more technically difficult. The incidence of incisional hernia and wound infection is higher.