Expert Laparoscopic Surgery in Whiteville, NC
Minimally invasive surgical techniques offering smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery—performed by board-certified surgeons with decades of experience.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Trusted Minimally Invasive Surgery Since 1956
Why Choose Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery—also called minimally invasive surgery or "keyhole surgery"—has revolutionized how surgical procedures are performed. Instead of making large incisions, surgeons operate through several small incisions (usually 5-10mm) using a tiny camera and specialized instruments.
The result is the same successful surgery you need, but with dramatically less trauma to your body. Smaller incisions mean less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.
Patients typically recover 50% faster with laparoscopic surgery
Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic techniques reduce hospital stays from 5-7 days to 1-2 days for most procedures, with faster return to work and normal activities.At Walters Surgical Associates, our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of laparoscopic procedures over nearly 70 years. We were early adopters of minimally invasive techniques and continue to use the most advanced laparoscopic technology available.
Better outcomes. Faster recovery. Less pain. That's the laparoscopic advantage.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Smaller Incisions
Multiple tiny incisions (5-10mm) instead of one large incision (6-12 inches)—resulting in minimal scarring and less tissue damage.
Less Pain
Smaller incisions and less tissue trauma mean significantly less post-operative pain and reduced need for pain medication.
Faster Recovery
Most patients go home within 1-2 days and return to normal activities in 2-3 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks with traditional surgery.
Shorter Hospital Stay
Minimally invasive approach allows most patients to go home the same day or next day instead of spending 5-7 days in the hospital.
Lower Infection Risk
Smaller incisions reduce exposure to potential infection and minimize complications compared to large open incisions.
Minimal Scarring
Small incisions heal with barely visible scars instead of large surgical scars—important for both cosmetic and physical comfort.
Procedures We Perform Laparoscopically
Laparoscopic techniques can be used for a wide range of surgical procedures. Our experienced surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery for:
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) — Treatment for gallstones and gallbladder disease
Hernia Repair — Inguinal, ventral, umbilical, and hiatal hernias repaired with mesh reinforcement
Appendectomy — Emergency and elective removal of inflamed appendix
Colon & Rectal Surgery — Resection for cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease
Anti-Reflux Surgery (Nissen Fundoplication) — Treatment for severe GERD and hiatal hernia
Bariatric Surgery — Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss
Diagnostic Laparoscopy — Exploratory surgery to diagnose abdominal pain or unexplained conditions
Splenectomy — Removal of the spleen for blood disorders or trauma
Adrenalectomy — Removal of adrenal gland tumors
Not every procedure can be done laparoscopically. During your consultation, we'll determine if minimally invasive surgery is the right approach for your specific condition.
How Laparoscopic Surgery Works
Understanding the laparoscopic technique can help ease anxiety about your upcoming procedure. Here's what makes minimally invasive surgery different:
Small Incisions
Instead of one large incision, the surgeon makes 3-4 small incisions (5-10mm each) in strategic locations around the surgical area.
Camera & Instruments
A tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one incision, projecting a magnified view onto a monitor. Specialized surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions.
CO₂ Insufflation
The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create working space and improve visualization of organs and tissues.
Precision Surgery
The surgeon operates by watching the high-definition monitor, using long instruments to perform the same surgical steps as traditional surgery—just through tiny incisions.
The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Most laparoscopic surgeries take 1-3 hours, similar to traditional surgery, but recovery is dramatically faster.
Laparoscopic vs. Traditional Open Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
3-4 small incisions (5-10mm)
1-2 night hospital stay
Return to work in 2-3 weeks
Minimal scarring
Less post-operative pain
Lower infection risk
Faster return to normal diet
Traditional Open Surgery
One large incision (6-12 inches)
5-7 night hospital stay
Return to work in 6-8 weeks
Large visible scar
More post-operative pain
Higher infection risk
Slower return to normal diet
Am I a Candidate for Laparoscopic Surgery?
You need a surgical procedure that can be performed laparoscopically (gallbladder, hernia, appendix, colon, etc.)
You want faster recovery and less time away from work and family
You prefer minimal scarring and smaller incisions
You're medically cleared for surgery(we'll evaluate during consultation)
You don't have extensive scar tissue from previous abdominal surgeries (may limit laparoscopic approach)
You want less post-operative pain and reduced need for pain medication
What to Expect: Your Laparoscopic Surgery Journey
Consultation & Evaluation
Meet with our board-certified surgeons to discuss your condition and determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate. We'll explain the procedure, benefits, and recovery timeline.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Complete any necessary pre-surgical testing and medical clearance. We'll provide detailed instructions on how to prepare, including dietary restrictions and medication adjustments.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Your procedure is performed under general anesthesia through small incisions. Most surgeries take 1-3 hours. You'll wake up in recovery with minimal incisions instead of a large surgical wound.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Most patients go home within 1-2 days. You'll experience less pain than traditional surgery and recover faster. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and remove any sutures if needed.
Insurance & Payment
Laparoscopic surgery is typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. Coverage is the same as traditional surgery—there's no additional cost to the patient for the minimally invasive approach.
Questions about coverage? Call us at (910) 642-3214 and we'll verify your benefits before your procedure.
Experience the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Faster recovery, less pain, minimal scarring—schedule a consultation to learn if laparoscopic surgery is right for you.
Call (910) 642-3214