The laparoscope, a thin instrument with a tiny video camera and light on the end, gives the procedure its name. When a surgeon puts it into your body through a tiny incision, they can view what's going on inside you on a video display. They'd have to build a considerably larger opening if they didn't have that equipment. Your surgeon won't have to reach into your body, either, thanks to special equipment. As a result, there will be less trimming.
Have you ever heard the term "minimally intrusive" surgery? One kind is laparoscopic surgery. It was originally utilized by doctors for gallbladder surgery and gynecological procedures. It is also used when intestines, liver, and other organs were then affected.
As it is a very delicate surgery you should consult with expertise in laparoscopic surgery. You can also visit Dr Sumanta Mishra, one of the renowned and best urologists in Bhubaneswar. As he is having years of experience in urology , he can guide you with all the procedures in the surgery process.
How is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?
Prior to the invention of this technique, a surgeon operating on a patient's belly had to make a 6-to-12-inch long cut. That allowed them enough space to observe what they were doing and do whatever tasks they needed to complete. The surgeon makes numerous tiny incisions during laparoscopic surgery. Each one is usually less than a half-inch long. (This is why it's also known as keyhole surgery.) They put a tube through each hole, through which the camera and surgical tools pass. The surgeon then performs the procedure.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery has a number of advantages over traditional surgery procedures.
- Scars that are quite tiny.
- Stay in the hospital for fewer days (with traditional techniques, a patient's recovery period was 4 to 8 weeks, with a hospital stay of 1 or more weeks; in laparoscopic surgery, the recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks, with a hospital stay of just 2 nights).
- There will be less tissue cutting.
- Less discomfort means fewer pain medicines are needed as the scar heals.
- Return to your regular routine as soon as possible.
- Because the scar is tiny, it heals quickly.
- As the exposure of internal organs to external pollutants decreases, the chance of infection decreases.
Risks of a Laparoscopic Surgery
The following are some of the dangers:
- Trocar injuries, which occur after insertion into the abdominal cavity, are the most serious danger. Abdominal wall hematomas, umbilical hernias, and umbilical wound infections are examples of this type of damage.
- People with a low body mass index (BMI) or a history of previous abdominal operations are particularly vulnerable to such injuries. These are life-threatening injuries.
- Few surgeons occasionally use electrodes that leak electricity into the surrounding tissues, causing electrical burn and peritonitis.
- Hypothermia and peritoneal damage can occur as a result of increased exposure to cold, dry gases during insufflation. The use of heated and humidified Carbon Dioxide is being utilized in surgical humidification treatment to decrease insufflation (CO2).
- Due to the fact that many patients with pulmonary diseases cannot tolerate gas in the abdominal cavity (pneumoperitoneum), surgeons must modify the technique of operation, starting with laparoscopy and then moving to open surgery.
- Coagulation problems and thick adhesions from previous abdominal surgery might make laparoscopic surgery more dangerous.
Laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes
Laparoscopy has become a common element of the diagnostic workup for a definite diagnosis of the issue in many cases nowadays. Here are a few examples:
- All other modes of examination have failed to provide a definite diagnosis in the case of abdominal pain.
- Patients with traumatic hemorrhage that could not be pinpointed.
- Intestinal problems occasionally necessitate a diagnostic laparoscopy to determine the specific reason.
- It is utilized for the accurate staging of intra-abdominal cancers in several cases.
How long does laparoscopy take to recover from?
You'll be monitored for many hours after the procedure before being released from the hospital. Your vital signs will be closely checked, including your breathing and heart rate. Staff at the hospital will also monitor for any adverse responses to the anesthesia or surgery, as well as any persistent bleeding.
Your release date will vary. It is dependent on:
- Your physical conditions will be examined. And if you are fit then you can be discharged.
- It also varies on the type of anesthesia used while performing laparoscopy.
- How your body reacts after the surgery. What are your health conditions after going through laparoscopy surgery?
It's possible that you'll have to stay in the hospital overnight in some circumstances. If you have general anesthesia, you will need a family member or friend to drive you home. Because the effects of general anesthetic take several hours to wear off, driving following the treatment can be dangerous.
You may experience moderate pain and throb in the areas where incisions were made in the days following your laparoscopy. Any soreness or pain should subside within a few days. To alleviate the pain, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Shoulder soreness is also frequent following your treatment. The carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your abdomen to create a working space for the surgical tools is usually the source of pain. Your diaphragm, which shares nerves with your shoulder, may be irritated by the gas. It could also induce bloating. Within a few days, the soreness should subside. Within a week, you should be able to resume your normal activities. Two weeks after your laparoscopy, you'll need to see your doctor for a follow-up appointment.
Some of the measures you can take to have a quick and smoother recovery :
- Reduce your risk of blood clots by starting modest activity as soon as you're able.
- Sleep for a longer period of time than you usually do.
- You can also make use of throat lozenges to get comfort from sore throat.
- Try avoiding tight clothes and wear loose and comfortable clothes.