An Overview of Laparoscopic Surgery

Did you know that 13 million laparoscopic surgeries are performed every year? The procedure has emerged as an alternative to traditional open surgery worldwide. 

What is Laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in the abdominal and pelvic areas. Also known as keyhole surgery, the procedure emerged in the 1980s as a safer and more effective surgical alternative to traditional (open) surgery. Currently, 13 million laparoscopic surgeries are conducted annually. Moreover, its proportion is expected to grow at a rate of 1 per cent in the next five years.

As the name suggests, laparoscopic surgery uses a laparoscope. It is a thin, telescopic rod with a camera cut at the end to get a view of your body's insides without opening it up. Compared to the six to 12 inches of cuts necessary in open abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery requires 2 to 4 tiny cuts or incisions of half an inch or less. One is required for the camera and the other for surgical incisions.

Who Qualifies for Laparoscopic Surgery?

There is no restriction regarding who cannot undergo laparoscopic surgery. The procedure is fast becoming popular and ubiquitous. However, similar to other surgical techniques, individuals with very high blood sugar and blood pressure may not be eligible for laparoscopic surgery. In addition, high cholesterol levels and smoking may also disqualify a person from laparoscopic surgery. Moreover, it is essential to note that the advantages of laparoscopic treatment in children remain questionable, as the procedure's benefits seem to shrink with younger age.

Why is Laparoscopic Surgery Conducted?

Most surgeries are performed laparoscopically these days. Some of the pertinent reasons why it may be conducted include the following:

• Small tumour removal
• Biopsies
• Hernia repair surgery
• Endometriosis surgery
• Testicle correction surgery
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Gallbladder removal
• Appendix removal
• Bladder removal
• Kidney removal
• Bowel resection surgery
• Gastrectomy or stomach removal, and more

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Some of the pertinent benefits of laparoscopic surgery are:

• Less blood loss
• Smaller surgical scars
• Mitigated risk of blood loss
• Less trauma to the abdominal wall
• Reduced risk of haemorrhage
• Fast recovery time
• The patient returns to normal activities quicker
• Less requirement for medication

Risks or Complications of Laparoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgeries, or laparoscopic surgeries, are less risky than traditional surgery because of the use of smaller surgical incisions. However, complications related to anaesthesia, bleeding, and infection are a possibility.

1. Trocar Injuries

Since the trocar (medical device) is inserted blinded before the insertion of the laparoscope, there is a slight possibility of some risk of injury from the original trocar insertion. Complications from trocar injuries are rare but severe.

2. General Surgical Risks

Similar to other surgical procedures, laparoscopy also comes with generic risks, which include the following:

• Wound infection
• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
• Excessive bleeding

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional open surgery. Brimming with multiple benefits, the procedure has now become the go-to way to treat multiple conditions of the abdomen and pelvis. In addition, the best part is that laparoscopic surgery tools and techniques are improving and becoming more sophisticated with each passing day, enabling more complex surgeries to be safely performed. If you want to know more about laparoscopic surgery, consult your healthcare provider at the earliest opportunity.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad - Kondapur. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.