Laparoscopic Surgery in New Jersey

About Laparoscopic Surgery at Partners in Urology

Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery (MIS), band-aid surgery, keyhole surgery, or pinhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which operations in the abdomen are performed through small incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm) as compared to larger incisions needed in traditional surgical procedures. Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities, whereas keyhole surgery performed on the thoracic or chest cavity is called thoracoscopic surgery.

What Laparoscopic Surgery Can Treat

Laparoscopic surgery can treat a wide range of urologic conditions via smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. This surgical technique is often used when patients need precise treatment with less disruption to surrounding tissue and healthy organs. For many patients, this approach can mean less pain, reduced scarring, a shorter recovery, and a quicker return to normal activities after surgery. It is a minimally invasive option that can help support both effective treatment and a more comfortable healing process. Laparoscopic surgery is often used to treat:

Kidney tumors

Prostate cancer
Varicoceles
Kidney obstructions
Adrenal tumors
Kidney cysts
Ureteral blockages
Certain reconstructive urologic conditions

When Urologic Laparoscopic Surgery is Needed

Urologic laparoscopic surgery may be recommended when a condition cannot be managed effectively with medication or observation alone. It may also be considered when surgery needs to be accurate, minimally invasive, and focused on preserving healthy tissue whenever possible. If surgery is the best next step in your urological care, your doctor will discuss your options with you and ensure that any questions you have about your care plan are answered. Situations that may call for urologic laparoscopic surgery include:

When a tumor or blockage needs to be removed
When symptoms are worsening or persistent
When imaging shows a significant abnormality
When prior treatment has not been successful in addressing the issue or relieving symptoms

What to Expect

Before surgery, your care team will review your condition, explain the procedure, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after. On the day of surgery, you will be prepared, monitored, and treated with careful attention to your safety and comfort. Afterward, you will receive clear follow-up care instructions to support a successful recovery.

Prepping for Laparoscopic Surgery

Before laparoscopic surgery, you may need lab work, imaging, or other medical clearance. Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare, including guidelines for eating, drinking, and taking regular medications in the hours before your appointment. You may also need to arrange transportation home and plan for a short at-home recovery period, so you can rest comfortably after the procedure. Preparation for laparoscopic surgery usually includes:

Completing any requested testing.
Reviewing all current medications with your doctor.
Preparing your home for your recovery period.
Carefully following pre-procedure fasting instructions.
Arranging a ride home.

What Happens During Laparoscopic Surgery

The key element in laparoscopic surgery is the use of a laparoscope (a telescopic rod lens system) that is usually connected to a video camera. Also attached is a fiber optic cable system connected to a light source to illuminate the operative field, inserted through a 5 mm or 10 mm cannula. The abdomen is essentially blown up like a balloon (insufflated), elevating the abdominal wall above the internal organs like a dome. The procedure uses CO2, which is familiar to the human body and can be removed by the respiratory system if absorbed through tissue. It is also non-flammable, which is important because electrosurgical devices are commonly used in laparoscopic procedures.

Recovery From Laparoscopic Surgery

Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is often shorter than recovery from open surgery, but proper rest and follow-up are still crucial. You may feel mild soreness, bloating, or fatigue around the surgical area for a few days. Your doctor will guide you on activity limits, incision care, and when to return for follow-up visits. You should rest as much as possible, closely follow your incision care instructions, and avoid heavy lifting in the period after surgery. If you have any questions throughout the recovery process, your care team at Partners in Urology will be happy to help you.

The Medical Staff

Our Board Certified Urologists

Katherine Shapiro, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

John Sheng, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urologic Oncology (Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Testis, Adrenal)

Nitin Patel, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

General Urology, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Oncology, Transgender Surgery

Neel P. Shah, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Bladder Problems, Overactive Bladder, Bladder Botox, Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Katherine Shapiro, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

John Sheng, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urologic Oncology (Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Testis, Adrenal)

Nitin Patel, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

General Urology, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Oncology, Transgender Surgery

Neel P. Shah, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Bladder Problems, Overactive Bladder, Bladder Botox, Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an Appointment for Personalized Urology Care in NJ

At Partners in Urology, we’re proud to put our patients first. Contact your nearest office location to schedule an appointment for personalized urology care in NJ today.

Our Offices

Our Urology Offices

Our urology specialists are proud to provide compassionate, patient-focused urology care at our offices in Hillsborough and Somerville. When you visit Partners in Urology in Somerset County, you’ll receive care from a team dedicated to your health and well-being, no matter what condition or symptom you are facing.