Endoscopic Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Endoscopic Surgery?
A surgeon does the operation, and the kind of surgeon depends on the body part being treated. A general surgeon, a doctor who operates on the belly, often does keyhole surgery there. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Scopes are sometimes used for surgery, such as removing polyps from the colon. An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera and tools at the end. It is used to check for or treat problems inside your body. Small tools attached to the endoscope can remove growths like polyps or fibroids. The steps below describe laparoscopy, a type of keyhole surgery. Laparoscopy lets a surgeon use only small cuts and a camera inside the belly or pelvis.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors often recommend laparoscopy because the recovery time is faster than other types of surgery. Laparoscopy is used for surgery to treat conditions, such as:
- Removing organs such as the appendix or gallbladder.
- Removing organs affected by cancer, such as the ovaries, prostate, or liver.
- Treating an ectopic pregnancy.
- Removing the womb or fibroids.
How to prepare
You may be asked to do the following, depending on why you are having it.
- Not eat or drink.
- Stop certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- Stop smoking.
- Do not stop any prescribed medicine without first talking to a healthcare professional.
- You cannot drive after a laparoscopy, so arrange for someone to drive you home.
What happens during it
You are asleep under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain. The surgeon makes a small cut, usually near your belly button. A thin, flexible tube with a camera inside, called a laparoscope, is put into the cut. For surgery, more small cuts may be made for the surgeon's tools. At the end, the air is let out and the cuts are closed with stitches or clips.
Recovery
You spend some time in the recovery room and get medicine to help with pain and swelling. After the operation, you may:
- Feel sick or be sick.
- Feel more tired than normal.
- Have a sore throat.
- Have bloating, cramps, or pain and discomfort in your belly.
Most people can leave the hospital on the same day or the day after. After surgery to treat a condition, it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. Some things can help your recovery.
- Move around as much as you can.
- Do not drive for 48 hours or until you can do an emergency stop.
Get urgent medical advice if, after a laparoscopy, you have:
- A high temperature, or you feel hot, cold, or shivery.
- Severe or continuous vomiting.
- Belly pain that is getting worse.
- A bloated belly.
- Pain, swelling, pus, or redness around your wounds.
- Pain and swelling in one leg.
Risks and side effects
Complications of laparoscopy are rare, but can include:
- Open surgery with a larger cut.
- Damage to an organ, such as your bladder.
- A serious allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
- Blood clots.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
After a laparoscopy, also call 911 for a very fast heartbeat.
Who performs it
A surgeon performs a laparoscopy.
Common questions
Why do doctors choose keyhole surgery?
Recovery time is often faster than with other types of surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies. If you had a laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, recovery usually takes up to 10 days. It may be up to 3 weeks before you can return to work. After surgery, full recovery can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Can keyhole surgery turn into open surgery?
It can, but this is rare.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
