Laparoscopic Surgery in Austin, TX

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery — sometimes called minimally invasive or "keyhole" surgery — is a modern surgical technique that uses several small incisions (typically less than 1 cm each) instead of one large opening. As described by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the surgeon inserts a thin camera called a laparoscope and specialized surgical instruments through these incisions.

The camera provides a magnified, high-definition view of the surgical area on a monitor, allowing Dr. Ash to perform the procedure with exceptional precision while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic procedures typically offer:

• Smaller incisions — usually just a few small cuts rather than one large opening
• Less post-operative pain — reduced tissue disruption means less discomfort during recovery
• Shorter hospital stays — many laparoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis
• Faster recovery — most patients return to normal activities sooner than with open surgery
• Reduced scarring — smaller incisions result in less visible scarring
• Lower risk of infection — smaller wounds mean less exposure

Procedures Performed Laparoscopically

Dr. Ash uses laparoscopic techniques for a wide range of general surgery procedures, including:

• Hernia repair — inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and ventral hernias
• Appendectomy
• Diagnostic laparoscopy for abdominal pain or other conditions

Not every procedure is suited to a laparoscopic approach. During your consultation, Dr. Ash will evaluate your condition and recommend the technique that offers you the best outcome — whether that's laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or open surgery.

What to Expect

Before your procedure, Dr. Ash will walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and provide specific pre-operative instructions. On the day of surgery, here's a general overview:

1. You'll receive general anesthesia so you're comfortably asleep during the procedure
2. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen
3. The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a clear working space
4. A laparoscope (camera) and instruments are inserted through the incisions
5. Dr. Ash performs the procedure while viewing a magnified image on a monitor
6. The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical adhesive

Most laparoscopic procedures take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery

One of the greatest advantages of laparoscopic surgery is the faster recovery. While every patient is different, here's what many patients experience:

• Many patients go home the same day or after a short overnight stay
• Mild soreness at the incision sites is common and typically manageable with prescribed medication
• Most patients return to light activities within a few days to one week
• Full recovery usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the procedure

Dr. Ash provides detailed post-operative instructions and schedules follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is progressing well.