Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery which is also known as keyhole surgery since it avoids the need for an open surgical procedure and instead uses a thin, long flexible tube with an attached light to know the functioning of the targeted organ or area in the body. This thin, long tube is inserted through a key incision and is mounted with a tiny camera that provides images onto a video monitor as it moves along. This slender, lighted tool is referred to as a laparoscope and the procedure is called laparoscopy. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be supported by other surgical instruments, inserted through the incision site to surgically cure/remove the problem.
Laparoscopy provides in-depth, realistic insights into the actual condition of the patient and supports the formation of a targeted treatment or surgical plan. Laparoscopy is also used to treat certain minor conditions. Hence, a laparoscopy can be used for diagnostic or surgical purposes.
A laparoscopy is a great procedure to be used when the exact nature and intensity of the problem are unclear. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires up to four incisions, including the one made to enter the body; these small incisions are not more than 0.5 inches long. Once through the procedure, the surgeon will remove carbon dioxide from the targeted organ, take out all instruments, stitch the incisions, and bandage the area.
Laparoscopy comes in very handy when non-invasive diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds fail to provide a clear picture of the problematic organ or area, as well as lack informative insights needed to analyze the problem and decide the course of treatment. In many cases, laparoscopy is also used to collect biopsy or sample tissue for further evaluation, such as cancer.
A laparoscopy can be conducted on various parts or organs of the body including the appendix, gallbladder, pelvis, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, uterus, urinary bladder, and other reproductive organs. The surgery is a very common and easy procedure with most patients being discharged on the day same day of the surgery. It has low risks and more benefits.
Benefits of a Laparoscopic Surgery
As mentioned, a laparoscopic procedure is one of the safest procedures when all non-invasive techniques fail. Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits such as:
- In-depth and realistic insights into the body organ or area
- Minimum and smaller cuts
- Barely any scars
- Less painful
- Quick healing
- Minimum side-effects
- Quick recovery time
- Less internal scarring
- Economical
- Higher success rates
- Low chances of infection
However, even in cases where risks or symptoms post a laparoscopic procedure do occur, they can easily be resolved and cured to ensure 100 percent safety. Generally, as of today, a laparoscopic procedure is one of the safest surgical methods with low risks and faster recovery time. Post a laparoscopic surgery, the patient can resume normal activities within 1 or 2 days, excluding lifting heavy objects or exercising. That said, it is still best to consult your doctor before adapting back to the normal routine.
Risks of a Laparoscopic Surgery
While laparoscopic surgery is an easy and simple procedure with minimal risks or side effects, one must be aware of the potential risks that might occur in some rare cases. These risks include:
- Infection
- Damage to organs
- Damage to internal structures such as the bowel, bladder, blood vessels, nerves, etc.
- Allergic reactions
- Adhesions
- Blood clots
- Internal bleeding
Overall, while evaluating the benefits and risks of laparoscopic surgery, its benefits outweigh the risks, especially in comparison to those of open surgery. Thus, laparoscopic surgery is the ideal surgical method and works effectively in conditions that can be treated with minimally-invasive medical techniques.
