The word “laparoscopy” doesn’t exactly scream glamour, but it can help transform your appearance so dramatically that anyone who sees you afterward might not even realise that you just had surgery. In this article, we’ll give you an introduction to laparoscopy and explain its advantages over traditional surgery. We’ll also cover some of the risks involved, list some potential complications, and discuss how common it is as a general procedure.
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. During laparoscopy, the doctor uses a tiny camera with a light and lens to look into your body while you lie on a table. The small incision can be hidden under a bandage, and the surgery is performed through a small cut in your belly called a port. During the procedure, the doctor can look inside your belly, lungs, heart, kidneys, intestines, and other organs, as well as your gallbladder and spleen. This procedure can replace traditional open-bowel surgery with a smaller incision that’s easier to heal and recover from. Also, laparoscopy can be used to treat certain infertility and gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Advantages of Laparoscopy
- Minimally invasive surgery.
- No open incisions; no scars; no stitches.
- It saves time, reduces recovery time, and reduces the risk of infection.
- Patients feel less pain and have less discomfort than with traditional surgeries.
- Healing time is shorter, so patients recover faster and can go back to work sooner.
- Smaller scars, less swelling, and less fat absorption than with traditional surgeries.
- More precise surgery and better outcomes than with traditional surgeries.
- Minimal immune system response, so there is less risk of infection.
- More flexibility to change diet and exercise regimens.
- No restrictions on mobility.
- No restrictions on exercise.
- More affordable than traditional surgery.
How does laparoscopic surgery work?
When you undergo laparoscopic surgery, the doctor inserts a tiny camera through a small cut in your belly while you lie on a table. The camera has a light and a lens that allow the doctor to see what lies inside your belly. Then, the doctor looks at your belly through the camera and manipulates the organs with a handheld device. This is how laparoscopy works. To treat certain conditions, the laparoscopic surgeon may perform minimally invasive surgeries. For example, a common type of surgery is gallbladder removal or a cholecystectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your belly and removes your gallbladder.
Which types of procedures are performed using laparoscopy?
With the advancement of laparoscopic technologies, surgeons are now able to perform a greater number of procedures laparoscopically. However, some major organ surgeries like heart, liver, pancreas, kidney, and lung surgeries are still performed via open surgical procedures. However, there are certain surgeries like gallbladder removal, colon surgery, colorectal surgery, hysterectomy, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, salpingo-oophorectomy, and prostate surgery that are now being done via laparoscopic techniques.
What is the cost of these surgeries?
These surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis and are typically covered by insurance. Thus, the cost of these surgeries depends on the insurance you have and your deductible amount.
At R.K. School of Endoskills, we provide fellowships in minimal access surgery so that you can be well equipped for laparoscopic surgery. Sounds interesting? Contact us today to enroll.
