Laparoscopic Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Risks, Benefits, and Recovery

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that involves an instrument called a laparoscope. Diagnostic Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed on patients to examine the organs inside of their abdominal region. Itis a low-risk, minimally-invasive surgery that requires small incisions.

A laparoscope is an instrument, long thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. During the surgery, a small incision is made over the abdomen to insert the Laparoscope. As the instrument moves around, the camera catch images and sends on the video monitor. A laparoscope allows your doctor to see inside the patient’s body without open surgery.

Doctors first used Laparoscopy for gallbladder surgery and gynaecology operations. With further advancements in medical science, it is now used for surgeries of liver, intestines, and other organs.

Why is Laparoscopy Performed?

Laparoscopy surgery is performed on patients to diagnose and identify the source of pain in the pelvic or abdominal region. The operation is performed on patients when noninvasive methods are unable to help with diagnosis and sometimes to confirm the findings and take remedial actions if possible.

In some cases, abdominal conditions can get diagnosed with imaging techniques such as:

  • Ultrasound to create images of the inside of the patient’s body
  •  CT-scan to take cross-sectional images of the body
  •  MRI scans to produce the images of the body

Laparoscopy is performed when these tests fail to provide sufficient information or deep insights into the diagnosis. Also, the procedure is recommended to take biopsy samples of tissue from any organ in the abdominal region.

Laparoscopy is recommended to examine the following organs:

  • Gallbladder
  • Appendix
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Small Intestine and Large Intestine
  • Stomach
  • Spleen
  • Pelvic
  • Reproductive organs

What conditions are detected using Laparoscope?

  • An abdominal mass or tumour
  • Fluid in the abdominal cavity 
  • Liver disease
  • The stage of cancer 
  • To determine the effectiveness of specific treatments given to the patient

What are the risks associated with Laparoscope?

Like any surgery, laparoscopy surgery comes with certain risks and complications. But, with ​Dr Shailesh Naik​, the best ​laparoscopic surgeon in Pune​, you can minimize the chances of any risks associated with the surgery.

Some of the known complications of Laparoscopic surgery are:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • A blood clot that can travel to your pelvis, legs, or lungs ( Thromboembolism).

In case of an infection, patients can look for the following signs:

  • Fevers and chills
  • Abdominal pain
  • Redness, swelling, bleeding, or drainage at the incision sites
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Inability to urinate
  •  Lightheadedness
  • Blood and other fluid leakages
  • Inflammation of the abdominal wall

How to prepare for Laparoscopy?

First of all, tell your doctor about any medicines you have been taking recently, whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter. It helps your doctor to reschedule the medication to be used before and after the surgery. He can also change the dose of certain medicines that could affect the outcome of Laparoscopy. The drugs include:

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Medications that can affect blood clotting
  • Herbal and dietary supplements

In case the patient is pregnant or think that they might be pregnant, should bring this to your doctor’s knowledge. Your doctor might prescribe blood tests, urinalysis, electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray. Ultrasound, MRI scan, and CT scan can also be performed for effective diagnosis.

The tests mentioned above help your doctor understand the abnormality and act accordingly. Many patients who opt for laparoscopic surgery in Pune ​are asked to avoid eating and drinking for at least six hours before the surgery. Bring one of your family members or loved ones to drive you back home after the procedure. The patient might feel drowsy for a few hours after the surgery due to anaesthesia effects.

Laparoscopic Treatment Overview

Before proceeding with the surgery, the patient will be given general anaesthesia to ease their pain throughout the procedure. An intravenous line is inserted inside one of the veins which will supply special medications and fluids to keep you hydrated.

Now, the surgeon makes an incision below your belly button to insert a small tube called a port. The port is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This gas allows your surgeon to get a clear vision of organs inside your stomach.

After this, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope through the incision. The camera attached to the Laparoscope displays the images on a monitor, giving a clear vision of your abdominal organs.

The number and size of incisions are decided upon the type of disease being treated. On average, one to four incisions are made, each between 0.5cm and 2cm in length. The incisions are made to insert other surgical instruments.

After completing the procedure, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape.

Recovery from Laparoscopy Surgery

After the completion of the surgery, you will be kept under observation for a few hours. Your heart rate and breathing will be closely monitored, and our hospital staff will check for any adverse reactions of anesthesia or any prolonged bleeding.

To ensure a speedy recovery, follow these steps:

  • Start your light activity as soon as you can to reduce any risk of blood clotting
  • Get more sleep than you usually do
  • Use throat lozenges to ease the pain of your sore throat
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitted clothes

Visit Deccan Clinic to get world-class treatment for ​laparoscopic surgery in Pune​. Dr ​Shailesh Naik​ is a well-accomplished surgeon and has performed hundreds of successful surgeries, one of the reasons why he is the best doctor for laparoscopy surgery. Book your appointment today to know more about our services and treatment. Our hospital professionals will get in touch with you and guide you to the type of treatment you need.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *