In the past few years, with the support of technology, surgeons have adapted and perfected the art of laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. The use of laparoscopic surgery has immensely increased over time. This technique can be used for exploratory needs, as well as for treatment. Let’s understand more about the procedure, its scope, advantages, risks, and more.‍

What is Laparoscopic surgery?‍

Laparoscopic surgery is a technique that allows surgeons to treat or explore organs of the body through keyhole incisions. In recent times, this technique is being used for general surgeries, gynecological surgeries, and orthopedic surgeries. While traditional or open surgeries involve a big incision to enter the surgical field, laparoscopic surgery involves several small cuts or incisions.

A surgeon performs laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia. Surgeons make multiple 0.5-1cm incisions, known as ports, through which they insert tubular instruments or trochars. Surgeons then pass a laparoscope and other specialized narrow instruments through the trochars. The laparoscope has a camera that transmits high-resolution images and videos on the screen in the operation theater. The laparoscope guides the surgeons through the surgical field, and the other instruments facilitate cutting and sewing.‍

What is the scope of laparoscopic surgery?

‍Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery is a viable technique for the following domains -

• Orthopedic surgery like knee keyhole surgery or knee arthroscopy
• Gall bladder surgery
• Gynecological surgery like laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Small and large intestine surgery
• Hiatal hernia surgery
• Appendix surgery
• Liver, kidney, and pancreas surgery
• Splenectomy
• Laparoscopic infertility treatment
• Gastroenterology surgery like gastric bypass
• Colon and rectal surgery
• Head and neck surgery
• Cancer treatment‍

‍What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?‍

Compared to traditional or open surgery, laparoscopic surgery has some advantages. These include -

• Smaller incisions and scars
• A shorter period of hospital stay after surgery
• Quicker healing and recovery process
• Lesser pain at the incision site
• Lesser restrictions concerning daily activities like driving and exercising
• Less internal scarring‍

Are there any risks associated with Laparoscopic surgery?‍

Any surgery, whether keyhole surgery or invasive, comes with risks. Complications include -

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or bruising around the incision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Damage to adjacent organs or arteries
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Blood clots

Complications are far less common in keyhole surgeries in comparison with open surgeries.‍

Does laparoscopic surgery have any variations?‍

Surgeons are currently working with other variations of this technique. In some cases, the incision or port made is large enough to insert the surgeon’s hand. This surgery technique is known as hand-assisted laparoscopy. The incision in this technique is still smaller than that of open surgery.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopy is another technique that involves a console through which a surgeon operates, using robotic arms. It allows surgeons to perform more precise movements and smaller incisions.

What does recovery look like after laparoscopic surgery?

After surgery, the patient shifts to a recovery room or post-surgery room. The patient is usually groggy and confused due to the anesthesia. Doctors and nurses check on the vitals and look out for any adverse symptoms.

Once the patient is alert and able to eat, drink, and pass urine, they shift to a regular room. The patient’s family is allowed to visit at this time. The nurse instructs on wound cleaning, bathing, and surgical site care. Doctors recommend medicines, especially for constipation and pain management. Doctors also mention follow-up appointments that the patient should never skip.

At this time, doctors may also recommend home post-surgical care programs for remote monitoring. Additionally, such platforms give patients access to 24x7 care coaches, medical information, recovery-related reminders, dietary, psychologist, physiotherapist support, among others.

Complete recovery can take a few days up to twelve weeks, spending on the procedure, patient’s health, and complications. Diagnostic or exploratory laparoscopic procedures can take up to five days to heal. One may resume daily activities after three weeks if they undergo minor laparoscopic surgery like appendix removal. A patient with major laparoscopic surgery may take over twelve weeks to recover.‍

When should one connect with a doctor after surgery?‍

A patient should connect with a medical professional and seek medical advice if they notice the following signs and symptoms -

• High fever and chills
• Continuous vomiting
• Pain and swelling in one leg
• Increasing abdominal pain
• Pus and foul smell from the incision
• Redness and pain at the surgical site

This article is written by DayToDay Health. For information on post-surgical care services after laparoscopic surgery, connect with us at https://bit.ly/39YfFLw.