WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY? BENEFITS | RISKS | ALTERNATIVES | WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY Risks Advanced laparoscopic procedures require full general anesthesia to allow enough relaxation of the muscles of the abdominal wall so that the operative space to work in is large enough. Modern anesthesia is very safe, and the anesthesiologists at Westside Regional Medical Center are all highly-skilled board certified physicians. Naturally they will need to be fully informed of any medical disorders that you may have or problems with anesthesia in the past. It is especially important that if you have any heart problems your regular physician send copies of old EKGs and information about any other tests that you may have had. Any operation can be complicated by bleeding and infection. If an operation has been performed through a large incision, a hernia (or muscle defect) can develop in the wound days, months, or years later. Thrombosis and pulmonary embolus (clots to the lungs) are also risks. We use preventative measures such as leg pumps and mild blood thinners to hopefully avoid these complications. Even in traditional surgery, each operation has a specific complication that every surgeon strives to avoid. These potential pitfalls are still present when the operation is performed laparoscopically and will be outlined to you, depending on the type of procedure you require. Occasionally, difficulties are encountered during surgery that cannot be safely managed laparoscopically. This may be suspected before the operation and confirmed with the laparoscope. If so, conversion to a conventional open procedure is performed for your safety. 201 NW 82nd Ave ~ Suite 301 ~ Plantation, FL 33324