Avoid Medical Malpractice: 5 Questions to Ask Before Your Laparoscopic Surgery

Surgeries that were once performed with a large incision and “opening” the body can now be done with a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. This technique involves inserting a small camera or scope through a small incision (rather than a large one) in the body allowing the surgeon to look around and perform the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used for gall bladder, knee, appendix, shoulder, gynecological and prostate procedures.

While laparoscopic surgery in less invasive to the patient, it still presents risks for medical malpractice. Ask these five questions before your next procedure:

1. What is better for my care: laparoscopy or “open” surgery?
   Open surgery may be a better option for some patients. Surgeons should also be able to recognize when to abandon laparoscopy for open surgery.
2. What is your level of training in this technique?
   Your surgeon may not be adequately trained in laparoscopy. Failure to properly identify organs with this technique could become problematic during the procedure.
3. How many times have you performed this surgery?
   You will want to know how experienced your surgeon is with a particular technique.
4. What were your patient outcomes?
   You will want to know how successful your surgeon has been while performing this surgery.
   
5. What will be my recovery time?
   There is a lot to consider when undergoing a surgical procedure. In addition to the technique the doctor will use, you will want to also understand how long you need to recover before returning to your normal routine.