In conventional open surgery a large incision through the tissues (skin, fat and muscles) is required to enable the surgeon to see the relevant internal structures and to allow him to have access to perform the operation. The recovery time from the operation, length of stay in hospital and pain after surgery increase in proportion to the length of the operation scar.

In laparoscopic surgery the video camera that is inserted through a 1cm incision enables the surgeon to visualize the structures to be operated on. Further working instruments such as tissue graspers and scissors are inserted through 5mm incisions, enabling the surgeon to perform the operation safely. Laparoscopic surgery therefore results in decreased scarring and less tissue damage, leading to...