Describe laparoscopic surgical techniques and related safety issues.

Description should include

• instruments (e.g., bipolar forceps, needle drivers, probes, clamps, retractors, cannulas)
• equipment (e.g., telescopes, video towers, cameras, positioning equipment) to visualize and perform minimally invasive surgery
• safety considerations, including the importance of preventing burns, perforations, hemorrhaging, insufflation errors, and infection.

Process/Skill Questions:

• In what types of situations is laparoscopy the chosen surgical technique? Why?
• How would a laparoscopic surgeon make use of equipment such as telescopes? Video towers? Cameras? Positioning equipment?
• What types of specialized instruments may be needed in laparoscopic surgery? What is the purpose of each?
• During laparoscopic surgery, how can the surgical team prevent harm to the patient in the form of burns? Perforations? Hemorrhaging? Insufflation errors? Infection?