PERSISTENT PAIN
Abdominal pain that persists, localises or worsens needs assessment.
BACK TO SERVICESMINIMALLY INVASIVE GENERAL SURGERY
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
Laparoscopic treatment of common and complex abdominal conditions, aiming for less access trauma and a safe surgical solution.
SMALL ACCESSHD VISUALISATIONERAS
EXPLORE THE PROCEDURESELIXIS · ADVANCED CARE
Laparoscopy is an access route — procedural quality remains the goal
Access is selected according to the condition, urgency, previous surgery and patient physiology.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms that merit assessment
Laparoscopy is a route of surgical access, not a diagnosis. It is used for different conditions, so symptoms depend on the underlying problem.
RIGHT LOWER PAIN
Pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right may occur with appendicitis.
NAUSEA OR POOR APPETITE
Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite may accompany acute abdominal disease.
FEVER
Fever or chills with pain increase the need for prompt review.
DISTENSION
Marked bloating or progressive distension may be associated with obstruction.
NO STOOL OR GAS
Inability to pass stool or gas, especially with vomiting, is a warning sign.
Similar symptoms occur in gastrointestinal, urinary and gynaecological conditions. Assessment should not be delayed when pain is worsening.
PROCEDURES
Key laparoscopic procedures
The choice depends on the underlying condition and the operative findings.
01APPENDIX
LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDICECTOMY
Removal of the inflamed appendix, with inspection of the peritoneal cavity for relevant findings.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Acute appendicitis, including selected complicated presentations, after clinical and imaging assessment.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Control of the base and mesoappendix, bag extraction and lavage when required.
02ADHESIOLYSIS
ADHESIOLYSIS & BOWEL OBSTRUCTION
Release of bowel trapped by adhesions after previous operations.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Selected mechanical obstruction without haemodynamic instability or another contraindication to laparoscopy.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Targeted release of the obstruction and assessment of bowel viability.
03SMALL BOWEL
SMALL-BOWEL RESECTION
Removal of a diseased small-bowel segment and restoration of continuity.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Ischaemia, stricture, tumour, perforation or localised disease in an appropriate patient.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Anatomical resection, perfusion assessment and safe anastomosis or tailored reconstruction.
04ULCER
PERFORATED PEPTIC-ULCER REPAIR
Laparoscopic closure of a small perforation and peritoneal lavage.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Selected stable patient with timely diagnosis of perforation.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Localisation, suture ± omental patch, lavage and postoperative treatment of the cause.
05DIAGNOSTIC
DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY & BIOPSY
Direct inspection of the abdomen and targeted tissue sampling when non-invasive tests are insufficient.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Unexplained pain, staging, peritoneal lesions or need for tissue diagnosis.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Systematic inspection, image documentation and biopsy with safe haemostasis.
06SLEEVE
LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
Reduction of the stomach to a calibrated sleeve within a structured multidisciplinary bariatric-care programme.
- WHEN IT MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Obesity meeting established criteria after full multidisciplinary assessment and shared decision-making.
- WHAT IT INVOLVES
- Greater-curve mobilisation, calibrated division and staple-line assessment. Bleeding, leak and new or worsening reflux are specific risks; lifelong medical and nutritional follow-up is required.
Conceptual anatomical artwork for general information — not a patient photograph or an exact representation of an operation.
PLANNING & SAFETY
Minimally invasive surgery still requires meticulous planning and technique
Conversion to open surgery, when required for safety, is sound surgical judgement rather than failure.
INDICATION
A clear therapeutic goal before access.
ACCESS
Safe entry adapted to scars and previous surgery.
VISUALISATION
Magnified view and systematic identification of the relevant anatomy.
ERAS
Analgesia, mobilisation and nutrition within a structured protocol.
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Short answers before an individualised surgical assessment.
01Is a minimally invasive approach always possible?
No. It is chosen when safe and meaningfully beneficial. Anatomy, previous surgery and complexity may require another approach or conversion.
02How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies with the procedure, disease severity and general health. The individual plan covers mobilisation, diet, work and exercise.
03Is there less pain?
Access trauma and postoperative pain are often reduced, but the experience varies by operation and patient.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
The final choice is based on the clinical presentation, individual anatomy and current guidance.
01SAGES · Clinical GuidelinesOfficial minimally invasive surgery guidelinesOFFICIAL SOURCE02ERAS Society · GuidelinesEnhanced-recovery perioperative guidanceOFFICIAL SOURCE03NHS · AppendicitisSymptoms of acute appendicitisOFFICIAL SOURCE04NIDDK · Abdominal AdhesionsSymptoms of adhesions and bowel obstructionOFFICIAL SOURCE
This content is educational and does not replace medical assessment. No technique is appropriate for everyone; benefits, risks and alternatives are discussed individually.
INDIVIDUALISED SURGICAL ASSESSMENT
The right operation starts with the right indication.
Symptoms, investigations and alternatives are reviewed during consultation to create a safe, individualised treatment plan.
REA MED practice & directions