Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, is a procedure that is performed just by making small incisions rather than large incisions made in a conventional operation. Usually, laparoscopic surgery is preferred for operations on the abdomen and pelvis.

In this article, we talk about the procedure, its types, benefits, and when a patient needs one. Read till the end for more information.

About laparoscopic surgery

In layman's terms, laparoscopy is called keyhole surgery. A surgeon makes one or more small or keyhole incisions and inserts a light, a camera, and surgical equipment. The entire setup is connected to a monitor externally. The light enables the camera to capture clear-cut images of the target area (inside the body), which can be observed on the monitor that is connected externally. With the help of these images, the surgeon performs the desired procedure using surgical scissors/equipment. Patients are put under general anaesthesia during the entire surgery.

Who qualifies for laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is usually done to diagnose and correct diseases of hollow organs. It is most commonly used in the fields of:

Gastroenterology – to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system.

Gynecology – to diagnose and treat conditions of the female reproductive system like endometriosis, cancer, etc.

Urology – to perform procedures in the urinary tract.

Depending on your health condition, symptoms, and treatment options, your doctor will suggest if laparoscopic surgery will suit you.

Why is laparoscopic surgery done?

Laparoscopic surgery is mainly preferred to avoid large incisions and delayed recovery. Broadly, there are several ways to treat a condition like cancer, hernia, or cyst. Your doctor may use conventional methods to cut open your body, apply heat and remove (excise) a tumour or damaged part of an organ. In situations like increased age, decreased severity of the condition, increased risks associated with conventional methods, or any other reason, your doctor may prefer a laparoscopic approach to suit the end goals. For example, endometriosis is a gynecological condition where uterus-like cells grow outside the uterus. Recently, doctors found the laparoscopic approach more effective than the conventional approach in reducing the chances of recurrence and side effects.

Different types of laparoscopic surgery:

Broadly, there are two types of laparoscopic surgeries based on the visualization technique:

The telescopic rod lens system is conventionally connected to a video camera that is either single-chip or three-chip.
The digital laparoscope system uses a miniature video camera attached at the end of a laparoscope. This eliminates the rod lens system and is easy to use.

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery:

As seen earlier, a laparoscopic approach has several advantages over any conventional method. Some of the key benefits are:

Smaller incisions
Reduced hospital stay as recovery is fast and does not require constant monitoring
Less pain and scarring than conventional procedures
Reduced bleeding around the site of the operation

Risks or complications associated with laparoscopic surgery

Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, laparoscopic surgery does not cause serious complications or risks post-completion. However, any medical procedure, simple or complicated, has to be done with proper care.

Patients must follow the instructions of the doctor before and after the surgery. They need to give their bodies the required amount of rest. Laparoscopic surgery is a procedure that requires skills and proper training. Only surgeons skilled and adept at using laparoscopic equipment can perform the procedure with ease. There are experienced laparoscopic surgeons at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, who can perform any surgery meticulously and with ease..

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that makes only tiny incisions to diagnose or remove cysts, tumours, etc.

2. What are some conditions that can be treated laparoscopically?

1. Appendectomy
2. Gall bladder removal
3. Cyst (of the liver, gall bladder, etc.) removal
4. Treating conditions of the intestine
5. Hernia repair
6. Endometriosis
7. Diagnosis of cancer of the abdomen, pelvic organs, and urinary organs

3. Will I be under general anesthesia?

Yes. A laparoscopic procedure requires you to be put under general anaesthesia for its entire duration.

4. Who performs laparoscopic surgery?

Usually, general surgeons and gynecologists are qualified to perform laparoscopic procedures. However, some laparoscopic surgeons are trained and experienced in only performing laparoscopic surgeries.

5. How can I prepare myself for a laparoscopic procedure?

Your doctor may ask you to stop food intake a few hours before the procedure. For surgery on your intestines, your bowel may be cleansed and drained. Apart from this, if you have other conditions of the heart, lungs, or brain, you may be asked to take more precautions.