Laparoscopy means looking inside someone’s abdomen with camera through a small incision using special camera (Laparoscope). One would be put to sleep (General Anesthesia) for this.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
It is newer and better way of performing surgery. After passing the laparoscope small incisions are made through which special instruments are passed and operation is carried out in a safe environment while looking at each move in the screen. This is done instead of traditional method of cutting open the abdomen to the surgery. You can argue that most of the pain from the cut patients would have suffered is transferred to surgeons wrist.
What kind of surgeries can be performed laparoscopically?
Any surgery, which is done open, can be done laparoscopically depending upon the skills. At times surgeon can suggest patients to have open surgery if patient is not fit for laparoscopic surgery or open surgery has clear benefits.
Some of surgeries performed are
1. General Surgical Procedures
a. Appendicetomy
b. Hernia Repair
c. Gallbladder surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)
d. Biopsy
2. Gynecological procedures:
a. Endometriosis treatment
b. Pelvic inflammatory disease treatment
c. Infertility treatment
d. Ectopic pregnancy surgery
e. Sterilization
f. Ovarian cyst
g. Hysterectomy
h. Myomectomy
3. Advanced Surgeries
a. Acid reflux surgery
b. Weight loss Surgery
c. Colorectal cancer Surgery
d. Splenectomy
e. Pancreatectomy
What are advantages of Laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery has clear advantages over open surgery in almost all the aspects. It has proven to be safe when compared to open surgery. Some of the benefits are:
1. Much less pain compared to open method
2. Very short stay compared to open method
3. Minimal scar compared to open method
4. Less complications
5. Early return to work
6. Less chance of hernia
7. Less chance of adhesion leading to long-term pain
I am obese (Overweight), Can I have laparoscopic Surgery?
Yes, in fact its more beneficial in these type of patients.
I have had open surgery before. Can I have laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, people who had open surgery can also have laparoscopic surgery safely but you would need an expert.