Laparoscopic Surgery Facts: What To Expect?

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

This surgery is also called as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or keyhole surgery in which operations are performed far from the location through smaller incisions elsewhere in the body. The small incisions made by the surgeon usually are 0.5-1.5 cm. In key element used in this surgery is a laparoscope which is long fiber optic cable that allows your surgeon to view the affected area and make it easily accessible.

How laparoscopy is carried out?

Your surgeon will make small incisions of about 1 to 1.5 cm usually near the belly button. Then a tube is inserted via the incision along with a tube that pumps carbon dioxide gas to inflate your tummy. This allows your surgeon to see through organs more vividly and provide them room to work. This is followed by insertion of a laparoscope through the tube. It will relay the images to a television monitor that will provide a clear view of the area to your surgeon.

Based on the surgical treatment you are required to undergo, your surgeon will make further incisions in your abdomen. This will allow insertion of small, surgical instruments through these incisions which in turn will guide your surgeon with right place using the view from laparoscope. Once the instruments are in place, they are used to carry out the required treatment.

After completion of this procedure, the carbon dioxide gas is let out from your abdomen. Then your surgeon will close the incisions with clips or stitches and apply dressing.

If laparoscopy is used for diagnosing your condition, then the procedure may take about 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the type of surgery it may take longer time if your surgeon is treating a condition.

What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?

1. Smaller incision reduces the pain and hemorrhaging which lower the need for blood transfusion.
2. It shortens the recovery time which results in less post-operative scarring.
3. Reduced pain leads to less pain medication.
4. Hospital stay is less and often patients are given discharge the same day.
5. Reduced exposure of internal organs lowers the risk of acquiring infections.

What are the disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?

There are not many disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery as most procedure done laparoscopically is performed under general anesthesia. The patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery are put to sleep which means they are hooked to a breathing machine during this procedure. Few patients experience sore throat post operation. Overall, most patients have much pain after going through this surgery.

Is Laparoscopic Surgery safe?

The laparoscopic surgery is regarded as safe since it is performed under general anesthesia. So the patient will be unconscious during the procedure and will have no memory about it. Serious complications are rarely reported. The patient can often go home on the same day of the surgery.

Final Verdict:

Laparoscopic Surgery is a safe procedure with less pain and reduced hospital stay. The recovery time required for the patient is quite less compared to the traditional open surgery.

References:

• Mirhashemi R, Harlow BL, Ginsburg ES, Signorello LB, Berkowitz R, Feldman S (September 1998). “Predicting risk of complications with gynecologic laparoscopic surgery”. Obstet Gynecol 92 (3): 327–31.
• Mayol, Julio; Julio Garcia-Aguilar, Elena Ortiz-Oshiro, Jose A. De-Diego Carmona, Jesus A. Fernandez-Represa (June 1997). “Risks of the Minimal Access Approach for Laparoscopic Surgery: Multivariate Analysis of Morbidity Related to Umbilical Trocar Insertion”. World Journal of Surgery 21 (5): 529–533.