Minimally Invasive General Surgery · Istanbul

Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery

Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar — General Surgery Specialist

Laparoscopic and robotic surgery methods offer less pain, rapid recovery, and small incision scars. Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar prefers a minimally invasive approach in all suitable cases.

🤖 Robotic Da Vinci🔬 Laparoscopic HD⚡ Fast Recovery📄 50+ International Publications
Home Conditions Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery
Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar
Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar
General Surgery Specialist
📞 Book an Appointment
⚡ Quick Facts
Incision Size0.5–1.2 cm
PainLess than open surgery
Hospital StayVaries by procedure
Return to Work3–14 days
Imaging3D HD Camera
LanguagesTR · EN · FR · RU

What is Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical method performed with cameras and special instruments by making small incisions of 0.5–1.2 cm in the abdominal region. It dramatically reduces all the disadvantages of traditional open surgery — long recovery, severe pain, large scars, and infection risk.

Robotic surgery (Da Vinci system) can be considered the technological evolution of laparoscopy. Thanks to a 3D HD imaging system and precise mechanical arms, the surgeon can operate with maneuverability exceeding open surgery in narrow anatomical areas (pelvis, esophagogastric junction).

📌 Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar primarily evaluates a minimally invasive approach in all suitable cases. He determines the suitability of laparoscopic or robotic surgery through consultation.

Laparoscopic vs. Robotic?

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Laparoscopic Surgery
2D or 3D camera, handheld instruments. Ideal for most abdominal operations. Established learning curve, broad evidence base.
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Robotic Surgery (Da Vinci)
3D HD imaging, 360° joint movement, tremor filter. Superior maneuverability in narrow spaces (pelvis, upper GI).
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Open Surgery
In cases where laparoscopy/robot cannot be applied. Large tumors, extensive adhesions, emergency situations.
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Hybrid Approach
A combination of laparoscopy and open surgery in some cases; especially preferred in HIPEC operations.

Application Areas

Gallbladder
30–60 min / 1 day
5–7 days
Colon Cancer
2–4 hours / 3–5 days
2–4 weeks
Rectum Cancer
2–5 hours / 4–7 days
4–6 weeks
Hernia Repair
45–90 min / 1 day
3–5 days
ProcedurePreferred MethodFeature
Gallbladder (Cholecystectomy)LaparoscopicGold standard; same-day discharge
Colon Cancer ResectionLaparoscopic / RoboticOncological outcomes equivalent to open surgery
Rectum Cancer (TME)Robotic (preferred)Narrow pelvic space; sphincter preservation
Stomach Cancer (Gastrectomy)Laparoscopic / RoboticStandard D2 dissection
Groin/Umbilical HerniaLaparoscopic (TEP/TAPP)Bilateral single-session possibility
Appendicitis (Appendectomy)LaparoscopicDay-case; fast recovery

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Clinical Advantages for the Patient
Evidence-Based Benefit
60–70%Less pain
-40%Shorter hospital stay
3xFaster return to work
<1 cmIncision size

The evidence-based advantages of the laparoscopic method compared to open surgery: postoperative pain is 60–70% less, hospital stay is 40–60% shorter, return to work time is 2–3 times faster, and the risk of wound infection is significantly lower.

It is also cosmetically superior: incisions of 0.5–1.2 cm become almost invisible over time; eliminating the anxiety of large scars in open surgery. Because it has less impact on the immune system, it is also advantageous in terms of post-operative healing physiology.

  • Less pain — reduced need for medication
  • Short hospital stay — less loss of labor
  • Low risk of infection and wound complications
  • Early mobilization post-surgery — reduced thrombosis risk
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Specific Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Especially in Narrow Spaces
3D HDMagnified image
7-axisInstrument movement
ZeroHand tremor
TMETotal mesorectal excision

In anatomically limited areas such as the narrow pelvis and esophagogastric junction, the robotic system reaches points where the laparoscope cannot. In rectal cancer surgery, the robotic system is the preferred method to completely perform total mesorectal excision (TME).

Sphincter and pelvic nerve preservation (nerve-sparing surgery) are better achieved with the robotic approach; this directly impacts the quality of post-operative urinary and sexual function.

  • Precision exceeding open surgery in rectal cancer TME
  • Higher rate of sphincter-preserving surgery
  • Pelvic nerve preservation — sexual and urinary function
  • Risk of urinary retention and impotence is significantly reduced

Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery in Istanbul

Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar is an experienced surgeon with over 50 international publications in the field of minimally invasive surgery at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and Liv Hospital Ulus. In all suitable cases, a laparoscopic or robotic approach is primarily evaluated. Language support is available in TR · EN · FR · RU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is laparoscopic surgery?
It is a minimally invasive surgery performed with cameras and special instruments by making small incisions in the abdominal area. Compared to open surgery, it provides less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a rapid recovery.
What is the difference between robotic surgery and laparoscopy?
Robotic surgery is the advanced form of laparoscopy. Thanks to a 3D HD image and precise arms with tremor filters, it provides superior access in narrow anatomical areas (pelvis, around the esophagus).
In which procedures is laparoscopic surgery used?
Gallbladder, colon-rectal cancer, stomach cancer, hernia repair, appendicitis, and cytoreductive surgery along with HIPEC can be performed with the laparoscopic method.
Is there much pain in laparoscopic surgery?
Compared to open surgery, pain is 60–70% less. Most patients can mobilize without the need for painkillers within a few days.
Is everyone suitable for laparoscopic surgery?
The vast majority are suitable. In conditions such as extensive adhesions, advanced cardiopulmonary disease, or very large tumors, open surgery may be opted for.
When can I return to work after surgery?
You can return to office work in 3–7 days, and physically demanding work in 2–4 weeks. Return is much faster for gallbladder operations.
Are laparoscopic incision scars permanent?
Incisions between 0.5–1.2 cm leave almost invisible, thin scars; they are incomparably smaller than the large incision scars in open surgery.
Is laparoscopy safe in oncological surgery?
Yes. Randomized controlled trials report oncological outcomes equivalent to open surgery and better short-term outcomes in laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery.

Book an Appointment for Laparoscopic Surgery

Evaluate with Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar to see if your operation can be performed with minimally invasive methods.