Is laparoscopic surgery really less painful than traditional surgery?

Yes, in most cases, laparoscopic surgery is genuinely less painful and allows faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. The key reason is that we use small “keyhole” incisions instead of a large cut, so there is less tissue trauma, less wound pain, and quicker mobility.

That said, it’s not completely pain-free. Patients can still feel some internal soreness, shoulder discomfort, or mild abdominal tightness for a few days. But overall, most people are able to walk early, eat normally sooner, and return to routine activities faster than with open procedures.

So your cousin’s experience is quite typical — laparoscopy is designed specifically to make recovery easier, but the exact recovery still depends on the type of surgery, individual healing, and post-operative care.