The Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at Drexel University College of Medicine Our College of Medicine is a center for excellence in laparoscopy for a wide range of medical conditions. The mission of the minimally invasive surgery program at Drexel University College of Medicine is to provide our patients up-to-the minute access to all the procedures that current (and future) technology has to offer. Our surgeons have experience with all types of minimally invasive procedures, backed up by the latest in laparoscopic and minimally invasive technology. In addition, we have education and research initiatives under way to expand the realm of minimally invasive procedures. Some of the procedures our program has to offer:   Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy The most common operation performed today. Generally the patient complains of right upper quadrant pain after eating a fatty meal. This may be associated with nausea and vomiting and tenderness in the right upper quadrant. An ultrasound will confirm the presence of stones and if your case is typical you may be referred to a surgeon to remove your gallbladder. This requires four incisions and your gall bladder is removed along with the stones within. Hospital stay is 1-2 days.   Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Today the laparoscopic approach is the procedure of choice for removing masses of the adrenal gland. This includes aldosteronomas and pheochromocytomas as well as non-functioning tumors. Masses larger than 4cm in size are also candidates for laparoscopic removal. Hospital stay is 1-2 days with return to activities of daily living immediately. Diagnosis is often made when a mass is found incidentally or after your doctor has screened your blood and urine for hormonally active metabolites.   Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass This surgical procedure to aid in weight reduction can now be accomplished laparoscopically. It creates a 2 oz. gastric pouch and a 150 cm bypassed small intestine limb. Patients can expect to lose about 70% of their excess weight within a year and a half. The laparoscopic approach is associated with fewer wound infections and lesser incidence of hernias. To qualify for surgery your Body Mass Index must be above 35 with associated medical problems, or you must be about 100 lbs above your ideal body weight.   Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication This procedure is used for patients who have failed medical therapy or those who no longer want to continue taking lifetime medical therapy for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also indicated in patients who have documented esophageal cell changes of the mucosa that may be at increased risk of developing cancer. This procedure works by increasing the intra-abdominal length of the esophagus and wrapping the stomach around lower esophagus to re-create a sphincter mechanism. Patients usually no longer need the anti-reflux medication or are now controlled by medication.   Laparoscopic Hernia Repair This procedure is indicated for the repair of direct, indirect and femoral hernias. It is usually reserved for bilateral hernia repairs or for recurrent hernias that have been repaired previously in the traditional way. It offers faster recovery time with less pain than most open traditional repairs. Hernias are usually found by the patient when he/she notices a bulge in the groin that was not there before. Generally these bulges are non-tender and occur after strenuous exercise. These procedures can be done without a hospital stay.   Laparoscopic Splenectomy This has become the procedure of choice for removing the spleen for benign hematologic disorders. Generally three incisions are made in the left upper and side abdomen. The spleen is mobilized and placed into a bag within the abdominal cavity. It is then removed piecemeal fashion through the belly button. Recovery is 1-2 days. Splenic diseases are often picked up by your regular doctor or a hematologist.   Laparoscopic Colon Resection There are a variety of colon and rectal conditions that can be considered for a minimally invasive approach. Many colon procedures can be performed entirely through the laparoscope, some other procedures require a small incision. Overall, less post operative pain and faster recovery are the outcomes.   Laparoscopic Liver Resection Our surgeons are experienced in this exciting new procedure for the removal of certain liver tumors using a small incision and laparoscopic techniques. The benefits are less pain and a smaller incision.   We have an active program centered around the use of robots in laparoscopic surgery. This program combines the expertise of the College of Engineering and the College of Medicine. A new program in surgical devices and drug delivery is also a byproduct of the co-operative effort between the medical school and the School of Biomedical Engineering at Drexel Unviversity.