Physicians at Medical West are currently performing a new procedure on patients, called HALS, or Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery. HALS is a technique that combines the ease of open surgery with the benefits of minimally invasive procedures. Laparoscopic surgeries are procedures in which a slender tubular instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall and used for viewing the abdominal or pelvic cavities. This type of surgery is less time consuming for the surgeon, and it allows for better control during the operation. In addition, it allows patients to recover more quickly with less postoperative pain.
In hand-assisted surgery, the surgeon can insert his hand through the small incision using a special pressurized sleeve. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts his hand into the patient's body, using it to guide the surgical instruments held in his other hand. With both a hand and laparoscopic instruments doing the work, the surgeon has more control over the operation.
HALS can be considered for any procedure that could be accomplished laparoscopically in a patient, such as colon, adrenal, or spleen surgery. A patient is at more of an advantage by undergoing this procedure over an open procedure due to several reasons. First, less postoperative pain is experienced with HALS, since the incision is smaller. Secondly, there is a decrease in postoperative side effects. Finally, patients endure a shorter hospital stay and are able to recover quickly to allow a faster return to normal activity.
Dr. Justin Moellinger, surgeon at Medical West, said, "Although the same risks are present with HALS as any routine surgery, a patient can expect up to half the recovery time."
Physicians at Medical West are currently performing this procedure. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please call 996-WEST.