Reducing the size of incisions has been a dream of surgeons for thousands of years. Hippocrates described a rectoscope in 400 BC. Since then a process like laparoscopy was thought of.
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, using specialized instruments. A pencil-thin instrument called a laparoscope is used, and it gives the surgeon an exceptionally clear view, on a TV monitor, of the inside of the abdominal cavity.
What kinds of surgeries are performed by laparoscopy?
Dozens of different kinds of operations are now being done using these new minimally invasive techniques. These include operations on the abdomen, heart, reproductive organs, nerves, ear, nose, sinuses, throat, joints, chest organs, urinary tract, and blood vessels.
Minimally invasive surgery may be an appropriate choice for conditions and diseases such as the following:
• Gallstones
• Removal of a damaged or diseased spleen;
• Inguinal hernia repairs, when part of the intestine bulges through a weakened segment of the abdominal wall;
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Some problems of the colon (large intestine) or rectum; and
• Removal of an infected or inflamed appendix.
Gynecological conditions or procedures including:
• pelvic pain of uncertain cause;
• ovarian cysts;
• endometriosis;
• pelvic adhesions;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• infertility;
• hysterectomy; and
• Tubal ligation.
What are the advantages of laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is easier on the patient because it uses a few very small incisions. For example, traditional "open surgery" on the abdomen usually requires a four- to five-inch incision through layers of skin and muscle. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor usually makes two to three incisions that are about a half-inch long.
The smaller incisions cause less damage to body tissue, organs, and muscles so that the patient
• Can go home sooner.
Depending on the kind of surgery, patients may be able to return home a few hours after the operation, or after a brief stay in the hospital.
• Recovers quickly.
Many people can return to work and their normal routine three to five days after surgery. In contrast, traditional laparotomy may require a person to limit daily activities for four to eight weeks.
• Experiences fewer post-operative complications and less pain.
The amount of discomfort varies with the kind of surgery. In most cases, however, patients feel little soreness from the incisions, which heal within a few days. Most need little or no pain medicine.
• Has less scaring.
The incisions for most kinds of laparoscopic surgery heal without noticeable scars. In laparoscopic surgery on a woman's reproductive system, for instance, one incision usually can be hidden in the belly button area. The others can be placed low in the abdomen, where any scars would be covered by a bikini.
What are possible risks of laparoscopy?
Since laparoscopy involves minimal damage to body tissues, it is generally safer than open operations. In diagnostic laparoscopy, for instance, complications occur in about three out of every 1,000 operations, a significantly lower number than traditional surgery. A complication is an unforeseen problem that occurs during or after surgery, such as internal bleeding or injury to a healthy organ.
Article - Laparoscopy - An age of scar less surgery
Compiled By - Dr Vijay S. pandey
The Surgi Care - 109 A, Ist Floor, Rajhans Plaza (Near Aditya City Centre) Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. Phone No.: 8447476143, 9818492809
Consultant laparoscopic surgeon - Yashoda hospital,kaushambi, Ghaziabad.
Pushpanjali cross lay hospital,Vaishali, Ghaziabad.
