Im confused about the medical terms for minimally invasive surgery and the traditional open operations. Which is which?
Laparoscopy means surgery in the abdominal cavity using thin long tubular rods like instruments which are introduced into the abdomen via tiny incisions on the abdomen, to the end of the Laproscope is attached a camera which allows us to view, magnify and record the image on a monitor. This is minimally invasive, or Band-Aid, surgery, since very small incisions are made. Laparotomy is the term for the traditional open surgery on the abdomen, which involves a larger incision. There are many different terms used for specific types of minimally invasive surgery and the instruments used.
