Laparoscopic surgery is also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows the surgeon access to the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without requiring major incisions in the skin. A small tube equipped with a light source and camera transmits images of the inside of the abdomen or pelvis to a television monitor.
Laparoscopy can be performed to aid in the diagnosis of a wide range of abdominal and pelvic conditions. It can also be used to conduct surgical procedures, such as the removal of a damaged or diseased organ or the extraction of a tissue sample for further analysis (biopsy).
Laparoscopy is commonly used in:
Numerous common surgeries can be performed laparoscopically. Due to the improved patient outcome, laparoscopic surgery is becoming the preferred approach for most surgeries and the surgeries include:
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure usually performed under general anaesthesia. Therefore, you would be unconscious throughout the surgery. You are mostly allowed to return home on the same day of the surgery or the next day.
Before laparoscopy
During laparoscopy
After laparoscopy
Before leaving the hospital
You may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site for a few days following the procedure, and if a breathing tube was used, you might have a sore throat. Your doctor may prescribe you analgesics (painkillers) to relieve pain.
Since gas is used to inflate the abdomen, some of it could remain in the abdomen and cause bloating, cramps or shoulder pain because it irritates the diaphragm (the muscle you use to breathe), which in turn irritates the nerve endings in the shoulder.
These symptoms are harmless and should subside within a day or two once the body has absorbed the remaining gas.
You will likely feel more exhausted in the days or weeks following the surgery. Remember to rest and take regular naps. The recovery period differs for everyone. Speak to your doctor to know how long it would take for you to recover following your procedure.
There are many advantages to laparoscopic surgery over conventional ones and they include the following:
Laparoscopy is a frequently performed safe procedure with a low incidence of serious complications.
Minor complications
Serious complications
Serious complications may require further surgery to address the issue.
Laparoscopic surgery has evolved considerably within the last decade. Many hospitals around the globe now use robots to assist with procedures and this is known as robotic-assisted laparoscopy.
Your surgeon controls robotic arms during robotic-assisted laparoscopy via a console in the operating room. The robotic arms are equipped with a specialised camera and surgical instruments.
The robotic system delivers enhanced 3D vision and a wider range of motion for instruments operating in the body. Using robotic-assisted laparoscopy, doctors may perform intricate procedures with greater precision and through smaller incisions.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopy may have a shorter recovery time and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional laparoscopy or open surgery.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you would like to know more about minimally invasive surgeries. The caring and multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
National Health Services. Laparoscopy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/what-happens/
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Matteo Mandrioli, Kenji Inaba, Alice Piccinini, Andrea Biscardi, Massimo Sartelli, Ferdinando Agresta, Fausto Catena, Roberto Cirocchi, Elio Jovine, Gregorio Tugnoli, and Salomone Di Saverio, Advances in laparoscopy for acute care surgery and trauma. Available at https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v22/i2/668.htm [Accessed 13 November 2022]
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Maryam Alfa-Wali and Samuel Osaghae (27 Jan 2017) Practice, training and safety of laparoscopic surgery in low and middle-income countries. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237818/ [Accessed 13 November 2022]