Laparoscopy in Grand Rapids, MI

Laparoscopy, sometimes called keyhole surgery or peritoneoscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine or operate on the organs inside the abdomen and pelvis. In Grand Rapids, MI, laparoscopic surgery is commonly performed at major hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Because only small incisions are needed, laparoscopy usually means:

  • Less pain after surgery
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster recovery and return to normal activities

This makes it a popular option for many patients in West Michigan, including those who need to get back to work, school, or caregiving quickly—especially during long Grand Rapids winters when mobility and comfort are important.

What Is Laparoscopy?

During a laparoscopy, your surgeon examines the inside of your abdominal or pelvic cavity using a thin tube called a laparoscope. This instrument is inserted through a small incision, usually near the belly button.

The laparoscope:

  • Contains a light and a fiber‑optic camera
  • Sends real‑time images to a video screen in the operating room
  • May be used with other slender instruments to perform surgery

Before laparoscopy became common, surgeons needed to make one large incision (open surgery or laparotomy) to see and operate on internal organs. Laparoscopy has largely replaced open surgery for many procedures in Grand Rapids hospitals because it offers quicker recovery and fewer complications.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy can be used for both diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, specialists in gynecology, general surgery, urology, and oncology frequently use laparoscopic techniques.

Female Reproductive Health

Many women in West Michigan see gynecologic surgeons at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health for laparoscopic evaluation and treatment of:

  • Female infertility

    • Checking for scar tissue or blockages around the fallopian tubes
    • Assessing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries for abnormalities

  • Endometriosis

    • Identifying and removing endometrial implants
    • Reducing pelvic pain and improving fertility in some patients

  • Fibroid tumors

    • Diagnosing fibroids in or on the uterus
    • In some cases, removing fibroids laparoscopically

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Evaluating and sometimes repairing pelvic floor or vaginal prolapse

  • Ectopic pregnancy

    • When a pregnancy grows in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus
    • Laparoscopy can be used to remove the ectopic pregnancy and prevent rupture

  • Hysterectomy

    • Some types of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can be performed laparoscopically, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery than open surgery

Urinary System and Urologic Conditions

Urologists in Grand Rapids may use laparoscopy to diagnose or treat:

  • Kidney tumors (cancerous and non‑cancerous)
  • Blockages of the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder)
  • Certain bladder conditions
  • Urinary incontinence (in selected cases)

Cancers of Internal Organs

Laparoscopy can help diagnose and sometimes treat cancers of:

  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Colon and rectum (some colorectal cancers can be removed laparoscopically)

Your oncology and surgical teams at local cancer centers in Grand Rapids will determine whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for your specific cancer type and stage.

Other Abdominal Conditions

Laparoscopy is also used to manage many other problems, including:

  • Ascites – fluid in the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy can help determine the cause.
  • Adhesions – scar tissue inside the abdomen or pelvis that can cause pain or bowel problems.
  • Gallbladder disease – removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures in Grand Rapids.
  • Appendicitis – the appendix can often be removed laparoscopically.
  • Hernias – some abdominal and groin hernias can be repaired using laparoscopic techniques.

Preparing for Laparoscopy in Grand Rapids

Before your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon and possibly an anesthesiologist at your chosen Grand Rapids hospital or surgical center. You’ll discuss:

  • Your medical history, including:

    • Past surgeries
    • Medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure—common in Michigan)
    • Allergies to medications or latex
    • Any previous problems with anesthesia

  • Your current medications, including:

    • Prescription drugs
    • Over‑the‑counter medications
    • Vitamins and herbal supplements
    • Blood thinners (which may need to be adjusted)

  • Lifestyle factors

    • Smoking or vaping
    • Alcohol use
    • Work and activity level (important for planning your recovery, especially if your job is physically demanding during snowy Grand Rapids winters)

You may be asked to:

  • Fast (no food or drink) for a certain period before surgery
  • Stop or adjust certain medications
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure

Anesthesia for Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy can be performed under:

  • General anesthesia – you are fully asleep and feel no pain
  • Local or regional anesthesia with sedation – the surgical area is numbed, and you are relaxed or lightly asleep

In most cases at Grand Rapids hospitals, laparoscopic surgeries are done under general anesthesia for comfort and safety. Your anesthesia plan will be tailored to your health status and the type of procedure.

How Laparoscopy Is Performed

Step 1: Making the Incision

  • A small incision (cut) is usually made near the navel (belly button).
  • The laparoscope is gently inserted through this incision into the abdominal cavity.

Step 2: Inflating the Abdomen

  • Carbon dioxide gas (or sometimes nitrous oxide) is passed into the abdominal cavity.
  • This gas gently lifts the abdominal wall away from the organs, creating more space and better visibility for the surgeon.

This step:

  • Makes it easier to see internal organs clearly on the video screen
  • Reduces the risk of injury to the organs during surgery

Step 3: Additional Small Incisions

  • One to three more tiny incisions may be made to insert other instruments, such as:
    • Graspers
    • Scissors
    • Suturing devices
    • Lasers or energy devices

Through these small openings, the surgeon can perform the necessary procedure—removing diseased tissue, repairing structures, or taking biopsies.

Step 4: Completing the Procedure

  • Once the diagnosis is made or the treatment is complete, the instruments are removed.
  • The gas is allowed to escape from the abdomen.
  • The small incisions are closed with stitches, surgical tape, or skin glue.
  • Some stitches may dissolve on their own; others may need to be removed at a follow‑up appointment.

Recovery After Laparoscopy

Most laparoscopic procedures in Grand Rapids are done as same‑day surgery, meaning you go home the same day, depending on the complexity of your procedure and your overall health.

Immediately After Surgery

You can usually expect:

  • Soreness around the incision sites
    • Mild to moderate pain, often managed with oral pain medicine
  • Shoulder pain
    • Caused by the gas used to inflate the abdomen irritating the diaphragm
  • Bloating or pressure in the abdomen
  • Nausea
    • Sometimes from the anesthesia or pain medications
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Constipation
    • Common after surgery and with pain medicines

For pelvic procedures, light vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal for a short time.

Because of sedation and pain medications, do not drive yourself home. Arrange for a family member, friend, or taxi/rideshare to take you home from the hospital or surgical center.

At Home in Grand Rapids

Most people in good health can return to light activities within a few days and to normal activities within about one week. Recovery may be slightly slower in winter months when activity levels are lower and the risk of slips and falls on ice is higher—take extra care when walking outside.

General guidelines (always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions):

  • Activity

    • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous activity for about one week or as directed.
    • Gentle walking is encouraged to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

  • Bandages and Incision Care

    • You may be instructed to remove outer bandages the day after surgery.
    • Keep the incision areas clean and dry.
    • Follow your surgeon’s advice about when you can shower (often within 24–48 hours).
    • Avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or Lake Michigan/area lakes until cleared, to reduce infection risk.

  • Pelvic Procedures

    • Use sanitary pads, not tampons, for any vaginal bleeding or discharge until your doctor says it is safe to use tampons again.

  • Pain Control

    • Take prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.
    • Use over‑the‑counter pain relievers only if approved by your doctor.

When to Call Your Grand Rapids Doctor

All surgery carries some risk. Contact your surgeon, primary care provider, or seek urgent care/emergency care at a Grand Rapids hospital if you notice:

  • High fever or chills
  • Vomiting that does not go away
  • Difficulty urinating or no urine output for many hours
  • Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the incision site
  • Worsening abdominal pain not relieved by medication
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg swelling (possible signs of blood clots)

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, such as those at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health.

Possible Complications of Laparoscopy

While laparoscopy is generally safe and widely used in Grand Rapids, complications can occur, including:

  • Need to switch from laparoscopic to open surgery (laparotomy) if unexpected problems arise
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
  • Puncture of internal organs or major blood vessels (such as the aorta)
  • Bleeding into the abdominal cavity
  • Blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Allergic reactions to anesthesia or other medications
  • Ascites or fluid leakage from surgical wounds (usually temporary)

Your surgical team will review your individual risks and how they are minimized.

Laparoscopy vs. Open Surgery (Laparotomy)

Sometimes, open surgery is still necessary or safer, depending on your condition. However, compared to laparotomy, laparoscopy usually offers several advantages:

Benefits of Laparoscopy

  • Smaller incisions
  • Less pain after surgery
  • Shorter hospital stay (often same‑day or 1 night)
  • Faster return to normal activities (about 1 week for many patients)
  • Lower risk of infection and adhesions
  • Minimal scarring

Disadvantages of Open Surgery (Laparotomy)

  • One large incision in the abdomen
  • Longer hospital stay (often up to a week)
  • Longer recovery time (at least 6 weeks of convalescence)
  • Higher risk of infection and internal scar tissue (adhesions)
  • More noticeable scarring

Your Grand Rapids surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective approach based on your diagnosis, overall health, and surgical goals.

Long‑Term Outlook

For most patients in Grand Rapids:

  • Pain and bloating improve within a few days
  • Incisions heal within 1–2 weeks
  • Scarring is minimal
  • Return to work or school is often possible within about a week (depending on job type and how you feel)

Follow‑up appointments with your surgeon or primary care provider (for example, through Corewell Health, Trinity Health, or Metro Health clinics) help ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are considering laparoscopic surgery or need more information:

  • Your primary care provider or OB‑GYN – can refer you to a local surgeon or specialist
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – offers a wide range of laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – provides gynecologic, general, and cancer‑related laparoscopic surgery
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – specializes in minimally invasive surgery and advanced laparoscopy
  • Mercy Health – offers laparoscopic services in several specialties

For general health information, preventive care, and community resources in Kent County:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs

These organizations can help with health education, screenings, and support—especially important in a region like West Michigan, where seasonal changes, winter weather, and chronic conditions can all affect your overall health and recovery.

Key Points About Laparoscopy

  • Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat many abdominal and pelvic conditions.
  • It is widely available at major Grand Rapids, MI hospitals and surgical centers.
  • Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy usually means less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
  • All surgery carries some risk; discuss your specific risks and benefits with your Grand Rapids surgeon.
  • If you experience fever, severe pain, breathing problems, or worsening symptoms after laparoscopy, contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately.