Laparoscopy allows many abdominal operations to be performed through small access points, using a camera and dedicated instruments.
Laparoscopic surgeryGeneral surgery
General surgery: diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment
Assessment and treatment of the main surgical conditions, using a laparoscopic, robotic or open approach according to the condition and the patient's characteristics.
General surgery covers the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, thyroid, abdominal wall and pelvic floor.
Whenever possible and clinically appropriate, many operations can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic minimally invasive surgery, through small access points in the abdominal wall.
The aim is not to use the same technique for every patient, but to choose the most suitable approach based on the condition, the complexity of the operation, previous surgery and the patient's general health.
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
Robotic surgery also uses minimally invasive access and allows the surgeon to control articulated instruments from a surgical console.
Robotic surgeryWhen can a minimally invasive approach be used?
Whether laparoscopy or robotics can be used depends on several factors:
- 01type of condition
- 02extent of the disease
- 03previous surgery
- 04the patient's general health
- 05need for complex reconstruction
Main areas of general surgery
Pelvic floor and proctology
Pelvic floor disorders can affect different organs and present with prolapse, evacuation difficulty, incontinence or proctological symptoms.
Assessment may include
- rectal prolapse
- rectocele
- obstructed defecation
- haemorrhoids
- anal fissures
- anal abscesses and fistulas
Gallstones
Gallstone disease is defined by the presence of stones inside the gallbladder; it may be asymptomatic or cause biliary colic and complications.
When surgery is indicated, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed minimally invasive operations in general surgery.
Thyroid conditions
- Thyroid nodules
- goitre
- some thyroid cancers
The choice between observation, further diagnostic tests and surgery depends on the features of the nodule, thyroid function, cytology and any compressive symptoms.
Colonic conditions
Colorectal surgery covers the treatment of benign and malignant conditions.
Conditions that may require surgical treatment include:
- colon and rectal cancer
- diverticulitis and its complications
- strictures
- selected inflammatory conditions
- other conditions that impair normal bowel function
When appropriate, some operations can be performed using a laparoscopic or robotic technique.
Surgical emergencies
General surgery also includes the assessment and treatment of abdominal emergencies.
The most common conditions include:
- acute appendicitis
- acute cholecystitis
- bowel obstruction
- gastrointestinal perforation
- incarcerated or strangulated hernias
- peritonitis
- some postoperative complications
Even in an emergency, when the clinical condition allows, a laparoscopic approach may be possible.
From diagnosis to choice of treatment
The decision to operate is made after assessing:
- 1.symptoms
- 2.clinical examination
- 3.laboratory tests
- 4.ultrasound, CT or MRI when needed
- 5.endoscopic examinations, if required
- 6.the patient's general health
Not every surgical condition necessarily requires immediate surgery.
In some cases conservative treatment or a period of observation is appropriate;
in others, surgery is the most appropriate treatment.
General surgery and the multidisciplinary approach
Almost all conditions require collaboration between different specialists.
This is particularly important for:
thyroid conditions
- endocrinologist
cancer
- endoscopist
- oncologist
- nutritionist
- physiotherapist
- radiologist
proctological conditions
- physiotherapist
- radiologist
- endoscopist
The treatment strategy is therefore tailored to the main problem and any associated disorders.
Specialist general surgery consultation in Rome
A thorough assessment establishes whether a condition requires surgical treatment and which approach is most appropriate.
When indicated, the operation can be performed using a laparoscopic, robotic or open technique.
Frequently asked questions
General surgery covers many conditions of the abdomen and digestive tract, as well as conditions of the thyroid, abdominal wall, pelvic floor and anorectal region.
No. Whether laparoscopy can be used depends on the condition, the complexity of the operation, previous surgery and the patient’s condition.
Both use small abdominal access points. In laparoscopic surgery the surgeon handles the instruments directly, whereas in robotic surgery the surgeon controls articulated instruments from a console.
Yes. Appendicitis, cholecystitis, bowel obstruction, perforation and complicated hernias are some of the conditions that may require urgent surgical assessment.
The decision is based on symptoms, diagnosis, imaging and other investigations, medical history and the balance between the benefits and risks of surgery.