A variety of other surgical procedures are performed at the Laparoscopic Surgery Center of Miami. The operations are performed using a general (complete) anesthesia. A small, 1/2 inch, lighted telescope is placed in the umbilicus and a TV camera shows the inside of the belly on a TV screen. A few extra puncture sites are placed into the belly for other special instruments to sew and cut the inside organs. Most patients spend 1-3 days in the hospital depending on the type of LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY that is done. Pain is minimal and easily controlled with pain pills. Any questions should be asked of Dr. Edelman, he will be happy to explain them to you.

HERNIA REPAIR: The laparoscopic treatment of inguinal and incisional hernias has been met with tremendous acceptance. Over 1200 successful procedures have been done by Dr. Edelman. The pain is much less than the conventional open repairs. The complications are few and the success rate is high. Failure of the laparoscopic procedure to fix the hernia is extremely low, less that 1%. Patients are given an anesthesic to sedate them and sometimes it is necessary to be put completely asleep under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is placed into the skin at the 3 incisions sites. The incisions are no greater that 5 mm (1/8 inch) in size. A special lighted telescope and instruments are placed in through hollow tubes behind the hernia, pulling the hernia back inside. A screen patch or mesh is placed over the hernia and tacked in place with tiny "Titanium" tacks. The operation is completed in under an hour. The patient is usually discharge in 4 hours. People return to work in a week or two and are seen at the Center for a post operative evaluation at that time.

GALLBLADDER removal (LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY) was introduced in Miami by Dr. Edelman in 1989 and he has successfully performed over 3000 of these procedures. Patients are kept overnight and discharged home the following morning after surgery.

COLON removal for diverticulosis, cancer and similar problems has been performed at the center since 1991 in over 300 patients. A 3-4 day hospital stay is usually required.

HIATAL HERNIA REPAIR for heartburn is offered at the Center with excellent results. Over 150 patients have had their reflux symptoms controlled, allowing them to discontinue their routine medications. A 1-2 day hospital stay is usually required after this surgery.

Other procedures performed commonly at the Center include: Diagnostic MINI-LAPAROSCOPY for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain, LYSIS OF ADHESIONS, Appendectomy, Liver Biopsy or abdominal exploration. ADRENALECTOMY, SPLENECTOMY, and Pancreas Surgery are also offered to select patients.