You’ve had stomach pain for weeks. Medicines help for a while, but the pain comes back. Your ultrasound shows gallstones, or your doctor mentions a hernia, appendix problem, or another condition that may need surgery.
Then comes the confusing part: Do you really need surgery? And if you do, should you choose a laparoscopic surgeon?
These are common questions we hear from patients and families. The right answer is not simply “choose the best laparoscopic surgeon.” It starts with understanding whether surgery is actually needed, what type of procedure is suitable, and how experienced the surgeon is with your specific condition.
A laparoscopic surgeon performs surgery through small cuts instead of one large incision. A thin camera is inserted through one of these openings, allowing the surgeon to see and operate inside the abdomen.
Depending on the condition, laparoscopic surgery may be used for gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, certain stomach and intestinal procedures, and several other abdominal surgeries.
The major attraction is recovery. Smaller incisions can mean less wound discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, and an earlier return to normal activities for suitable patients.
A 2024 national study from New Zealand found that laparoscopic appendectomy increased from 83% to 95% over a 10-year period, while laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased from 94% to 96%. The study also found that laparoscopic procedures were associated with shorter and less expensive hospital stays compared with open surgery.
You do not need to wait until your symptoms become severe.
If you repeatedly experience upper abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, or discomfort after meals, it is worth getting the cause checked.
Gallstones, hernias, appendicular problems, and other abdominal conditions can sometimes require surgical treatment when medicines alone are not enough.
Gallstones are one of the most common reasons patients are referred for laparoscopic surgery.
Not everyone with gallstones needs an operation. However, repeated pain, inflammation, infection, or complications may make gallbladder removal the safer long-term option.
A visible or painful bulge around the abdomen or groin should not simply be ignored.
If the hernia is causing pain, increasing in size, or affecting daily activities, a surgeon can assess whether repair is appropriate and whether a laparoscopic approach is suitable.
If another doctor has suggested surgery, getting a consultation with a surgeon can help you understand your options before making a decision.
Ask what happens if you wait, whether laparoscopic surgery is possible, what the risks are, and how long recovery may take.
Here is where patients often make a mistake.
They search for the “best laparoscopic surgeon,” compare online ratings, and choose the person with the longest list of procedures.
Our contrarian view: the surgeon who performs the most operations is not automatically the right surgeon for you.
Experience matters, but it should be relevant experience. A surgeon who regularly performs the exact procedure you need may be a better choice than someone with a larger but less relevant list of surgeries.
Look at four things:
Experience with your specific condition
Proper evaluation before recommending surgery
Clear explanation of benefits and risks
Access to appropriate hospital and emergency support
A good consultation should not feel like a sales meeting. You should leave knowing what is wrong, why surgery may or may not help, and what your alternatives are.
This is important.
Patients sometimes assume that “laparoscopic” automatically means better. It doesn't.
Some complex conditions, previous surgeries, severe infection, or certain medical problems may make open surgery more appropriate. Sometimes a laparoscopic operation may need to be converted to open surgery for safety.
That is not necessarily a failure. The goal is a safe and effective operation—not simply making the incision as small as possible.
Recent research on minimally invasive surgery also highlights that difficult anatomy, equipment, resources, and surgical training can affect outcomes.
Consider patients with acute appendicitis. Over time, hospitals have increasingly moved toward laparoscopic appendectomy when clinically appropriate.
In the 2024 New Zealand national analysis, laparoscopic appendectomy use rose from 83% to 95%, while conversion to open surgery fell from 1.9% to just 0.24%. The laparoscopic group was also associated with a shorter and less expensive hospital stay.
The lesson is not that every patient should demand laparoscopy. The lesson is that surgical decisions should be based on evidence, the patient's condition, and the surgeon's judgment.
Dr. Ved Prakash, Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, focuses on minimally invasive and weight-loss-related surgical care. His approach is centered on careful diagnosis, explaining treatment options clearly, and selecting surgery according to the patient's individual condition rather than recommending an operation simply because it is technically possible.
Before agreeing to surgery, keep these questions ready:
What exactly is causing my symptoms?
Do I definitely need surgery?
Can my condition be treated without an operation?
Is laparoscopic surgery suitable for me?
How often do you perform this procedure?
What complications should I know about?
How long will recovery take?
What happens if laparoscopic surgery is not possible during the operation?
A surgeon who welcomes these questions is usually giving you the kind of conversation you need.
For many suitable procedures, laparoscopic surgery can offer benefits such as smaller incisions, less wound discomfort, and faster recovery. However, safety depends on the condition, patient's health, and surgeon's experience.
Look beyond ratings and advertisements. Check the surgeon's relevant experience, hospital facilities, approach to diagnosis, and willingness to explain both surgical and non-surgical options.
Recovery varies by procedure and individual health. Some patients return to normal activities relatively quickly, while more complex operations require several weeks. Your surgeon should give you a procedure-specific recovery plan.
Choosing a laparoscopic surgeon should not be about finding the person with the biggest claim to being “the best.” It should be about finding a qualified surgeon who understands your condition, performs the appropriate procedure regularly, explains the risks honestly, and puts your safety ahead of convenience.
If you have recurring abdominal pain, gallstones, a hernia, appendicular problems, or have already been advised to undergo abdominal surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Ved Prakash to discuss your diagnosis and whether laparoscopic treatment is appropriate for you.
