Laparoscopic Surgery and its Benefits

Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical procedure carried out in the abdominal and pelvic areas. The laparoscopic procedure is a minimally invasive surgery and doesn’t require large cuts in the skin to be performed by a surgeon.

Laparoscopic surgery is made possible through an instrument called a laparoscope, a long, thin tube with a very high-intensity light and a tiny video camera on one end. The camera sends live videos of the internal organs to a monitor, which guides the surgeon to perform the entire procedure without seeing the internal organs directly.

Laparoscopy is usually carried out for diagnostic purposes and can also be used in surgical procedures such as biopsies or removing a damaged organ. In addition, it is commonly used in urology, gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Over the years, laparoscopy has become the most preferred procedure for some common operations because of its benefits, low cost, and improved patient outcomes. Some of the common surgeries performed through laparoscopic surgery include small tumor removal, ectopic pregnancy removal, cyst and fibroid removal, testicle correction surgery (Orchiopexy), hernia repair surgery, bowel resection surgery(colectomy), liver resection, kidney removal (nephrectomy), spleen removal (appendectomy), rectal prolapse repair(rectopexy), and endometriosis surgery.

The operations carried out with the laparoscopic method are less complicated and invasive compared to open surgery. Unlike open surgeries, where there is a large incision, laparoscopic surgery requires a small incision, reducing the risk of bleeding.

While the laparoscopic method is generally used for treating medical concerns in the abdomen and pelvic areas, it is not limited to that and can be used in other areas of the body. The scopes are named differently according to the part of the body they are concerned with. For example, the surgeon will use a thoracoscope in the chest cavity to view your lungs through a keyhole incision.

Laparoscopic surgery is safe. But, just like every other surgical procedure, although in rare cases, there are some risks to consider. Some of the most common risks are bleeding and damage to organs in your abdomen. The less common risks include inflammation of the abdominal wall, communication from general anesthesia, and blood clotting. The techniques of the laparoscopic procedure have also improved consistently through the years with the latest advancements in modern medicine.

Another benefit of laparoscopic surgery is the lesser risk of post-operative infection, as there is reduced exposure of the internal organs to external contaminants. There is also a reduced risk of transmission of germs because this procedure minimizes direct contact between the surgeon and the patient.

Another advantage of the procedure is a fast recovery time which implies a shorter stay in the hospital. After a procedure, most patients are discharged on the same day or two days. Because it requires a minimal incision, there is less scarring and pain as the scars heal. A person undergoing this procedure will not need long-term medication for pain relief as the stitches heal. In addition, since the scar from the laparoscopic procedure is small, you can easily get back to your normal activities.