Dr. Robert R. Harry, a Fredericksburg surgeon, makes three small holes in the abdomen and inserts miniature tools into the body. A laparoscope, or tiny camera, serves as Harry s guide. It puts three rows of staples on either side and then a knife divides it, Harry said. It s a pretty simple procedure, about 30 minutes. Harry uses lab tests and a CT scan, or computerized X ray, to help diagnose the disease.
Patients are prepared for surgery with intravenous antibiotics.
During the operation, they re anesthetized with intravenous fluids or with gases. Afterward, they re fed intravenously and offered self-administered pain medication. Patients usually go home the day of surgery or the next day, Harry said. Most resume normal activities within a few days. It used to be a deadly disease, Harry said.