Laparoscopy means looking inside someone’s abdomen through a small incision using a special camera (laparoscope). One would be put to sleep (general anesthesia) for this.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
It is a newer and better way of performing surgery. Laparoscope (Camera) is passed after making small incision, Under vision of camera small holes are made
through which special instruments are passed and the operation is carried out in a safe environment while looking at each move on the screen. This is done instead of the traditional method of cutting open the abdomen for the surgery.
You can argue that most of the pain patients would have suffered is transferred to surgeon’s wrist.
What kind of surgeries can be performed laparoscopically?
Any surgery, which is done open, can be done laparoscopically depending on the surgeon’ skills. At times, a surgeon can
suggest patients to have an open surgery if the patient is not fit for laparoscopic surgery or if open surgery has clear benefits.
Some of the surgeries performed are:
What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery has clear advantages over open surgery. It has proven safety compared to open surgery. Some of the benefits are:
I am obese (overweight). Can I opt for laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, in fact it is more beneficial for patients who are obese.
I have had open surgery before. Can I have a laparoscopic surgery now?
Yes, people who have had an open surgery can also have a laparoscopic surgery safely, but you would need an expert.
Is Laparoscopic Surgery more costly?
Laparoscopic Surgery can come across as slighly more costlier thank traditional open surgery but cost would be more than compensated as patients stay for much lesser time in the hospital and hence less hospital cost and medicine cost.
Patients also tend to return to work or daily acitivity much quicker than open surgery so slightly high initial more cost is more than compensated.
What is Robotic Surgery? Is it different from Laparoscopic Surgery?
Robotic surgery can be described as advanced version of laparoscopic surgery and when used for advanced procedures certainly has great advantages.
Currently initial cost of ROBOTIC surgery is very high thus making procedures more costlier than laparoscopic surgery.
ROBOTIC surgery has no proven benefits over laparoscopic surgery for common performed procedures.