Getting to Know Laparoscopy
What Is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy, sometimes referred to as minimally invasive surgery, eliminates the large surgical scars that are customary in most abdominal or pelvic surgical procedures. Instead of the traditional approach of making a large incision for access, as was done in the past many surgical injuries are exposed through a small opening usually located at the umbilical point. A laparoscope, which is a small cylindrical structure with an attached camera, is then made to penetrate this incision. This camera is connected to a television so that the practitioner does not require a direct view of the patient’s organs in order to determine the source of the problem and attempt to correct them without operating on the patient from within.
What Are The Benefits Of Laparoscopic Surgery?
Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery has a number of positive attributes. These include:
Reduced Length Of Hospitalization: This is the time that a patient is required to spend in a hospital facility.
Reduced Pain: After surgery, a patient experiences less discomfort in the operating area due to the use of smaller cuts.
Faster Recovery: Healed patients need less time before they can engage in their normal routine activities.
Reduced chances Of Scarring: Smaller cuts lead to smaller scars which are more visually appealing.
Is a laparoscopy a major surgery?
While it can be argued that laparoscopic surgery is indeed a less invasive treatment option as compared to an open abdominal procedure, it can be commented on as a major surgery nonetheless. Not every abdominal surgery may be performed with laparoscopy, but if so, most of the time, invasive abdominal procedures are performed. Only your physician or surgeon can really give you the best definition of the kind of surgery you will undergo for your surgery if it is classified as major or not.
What is laparoscopy done for?
Laparoscopy is used for various diagnostic and surgical procedures, including:
- Investigation of unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Evaluation of reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts.
- Biopsies to collect tissue samples for disease testing, including cancer.
Surgical treatments, including:
- Removal of cysts, fibroids, stones, and polyps.
- Excision of small tumors.
- Tubal ligation and reversal.
- Ectopic pregnancy removal.
- Surgery for endometriosis.
- Urethral and vaginal reconstruction.
- Orchiopexy (testicle correction).
- Rectopexy (rectal prolapse repair).
- Hernia repair.
- Esophageal anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication).
- Gastric bypass surgery.
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for gallstones.
- Appendectomy (appendix removal).
Overall, laparoscopy is a versatile technique for both diagnosis and treatment, making it an essential tool in modern medicine.
What Is the Timeline for Recovery from Laparoscopy?
The length of the recovery period differs with the nature of the surgery performed. Most minor surgeries can heal in about 3 weeks time, disabilities arising from other surgeries may take as long as 12 weeks.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery offers numerous advantages over traditional surgery, such as:
- Reduced scars
- Reduced length of stay in the hospital
- Lower degree of pain experienced during post-surgery
- Reduced recovery and rehabilitation period
- Prompt resumption of normal routines
- Less internal scarring
- Less incidence of wound infection
- Less incidence of bleeding
- Less dependence on painkillers
A good example, is in the case of traditional techniques, if you are undergoing intestinal surgery, you might be hospitalized for more than one week, and the recovery will take about four to eight weeks. With laparoscopic surgery, one would expect the hospital stay to be less than two days with a recovery period of two to three weeks.
Who Shouldn’t Have Laparoscopic Surgery?
Some people should not consider laparoscopic surgery as an option. These include those who:
- Have already undergone surgery within that region; this makes it possible to have scars, cut tissue, and other abnormalities in that area.
- Have too much adipose tissue in the area that is going to be surprised.
- People with an active infection or bleeding.
- Have a defined heart or lung problem.
Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery
Robotic laparoscopic surgery uses advanced technology for better precision. The surgeon starts by making a small cut near your belly button to insert a camera. Instead of directly holding the surgical tools, they control robotic arms from a computer. This setup provides a 3D, high-resolution view inside your body, allowing for more accurate movements during the operation.
This type of surgery usually results in less bleeding and discomfort afterward. It’s particularly useful for gynecology and urology procedures, like prostate removal.
After the surgery, any gas used to inflate your abdomen will be removed, and if a drain was placed for fluid, it might be taken out or left in for a while. The surgeon will then close your incisions.
You’ll be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Some laparoscopic surgeries are done as outpatient procedures, so you can go home the same day, while others may require you to stay in the hospital for a night or two. If you have outpatient surgery, make sure someone is available to drive you home. You’ll also get a prescription for pain relief and guidance on over-the-counter medications to manage any discomfort.
Conclusion
Laparoscopy is not just a technique for performing, but also a method of diagnosis, that can bring benefits to the patients. Because of its minimally invasive nature, patients have less pain, recover faster, and have smaller scars than those who undergo open surgery. For reproduction health issues or surgical interventions of any nature, it is important to see the specialist. To make more advanced and hassle-free treatment for patients visit Kanaa Fertility because the practices are highly qualified to nurture the patients towards optimum health.
Dr B.Priya Kalyani
MBBS., DGO, DNB (OG)
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist