No surgery is completely pain-free, but some procedures minimize pain during the surgery itself. A key example is laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy: A Relatively Painless Surgical Procedure
Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is performed under general anesthesia. This means the patient is asleep during the entire procedure and experiences no pain during the operation. [^1, ^5] The surgeon makes a small incision, often near the belly button, and inflates the abdominal cavity with air to improve visibility.
However, it's crucial to understand that while the surgery itself is painless due to the anesthesia, post-operative pain is common and varies among patients. Pain management strategies are implemented to mitigate discomfort after the surgery. [^7]
Other Surgeries and Pain Perception
While laparoscopy provides a painless surgical experience, it is important to note that pain perception varies significantly among individuals. The level of pain experienced during and after any surgical procedure depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the individual's pain tolerance, and the effectiveness of pain management techniques. [^2, ^3, ^4, ^6, ^8, ^9, ^10] Even in surgeries where post-operative pain is usually mild, some individuals might experience more discomfort than others. For instance, while Mohs surgery typically does not result in severe post-operative pain, it's not guaranteed to be pain-free for everyone. [^6]
Therefore, the question "Which surgery is not painful?" is not entirely accurate, as the experience is subjective and influenced by multiple factors. It is more appropriate to consider which surgeries minimize pain during the operation through general anesthesia.
[^1]: NHS. (n.d.). Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/
[^2]: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Pain Control After Surgery: Symptoms, Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11307-pain-control-after-surgery
[^3]: Medical News Today. (2018, May 13). 5 most painful surgeries: What to expect. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321779
[^4]: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). 5 Questions to Answer Before Considering Sciatica Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/5-questions-to-answer-before-considering-sciatica-surgery
[^5]: NHS. (n.d.). Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/
[^6]: Mayo Clinic. (2024, September 19). Mohs surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mohs-surgery/about/pac-20385222
[^7]: University Hospitals. (n.d.). Post-Surgery Hernia Pain. Retrieved from https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/surgery-services/conditions-and-treatments/hernia-surgery/patient-resources/postoperative-instructions/post-surgery-pain
[^8]: Mayo Clinic. (2024, February 20). Pain medicines after surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20046452
[^9]: Penn Medicine. (n.d.). Treating Ganglion Cysts in Hand and Wrist. Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/orthopaedics/hand-and-wrist-pain/treating-ganglion-cysts-in-hand-and-wrist
[^10]: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (n.d.). TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
