Introduction
Laparoscopic Surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical approach to diagnose and treat various intestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, severe constipation, colorectal cancer, and rectal prolapse. The primary goal of laparoscopic surgery is to minimise or eliminate an intraoperative injury.
Description
Laparoscopic Surgery is a technologically advanced medical procedure that addresses various underlying pelvic and abdominal issues more quickly and less painfully.
Traditional surgeries are majorly associated with pain, discomfort, and large incisions. However, the laparoscopic procedure uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and video camera at the end) to thoroughly investigate the area around the surgery site. It consists of making a keyhole-sized incision into the body wherein surgeons can gain a detailed view of the inside of the patient’s body, thereby treating the affected area with ease. Laparoscopic surgeries have now become vital for most gastrointestinal disorders.
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Which Health Complications Can be Treated via Laparoscopic Surgeries?
Laparoscopic intestinal surgery is helpful for:
- ● Right colectomy: Also known as ileocolectomy, this surgery involves removing the right-hand portion of the colon. This procedure is specifically used to remove cancer, polyps, and inflammation from Crohn’s disease.
- ● Faecal diversion: This surgical procedure treats complex rectal and anal problems, including weak bowel control.
- ● Rectopexy: In this procedure, stitches are used to repair and safeguard the rectum in the case of rectal prolapse (protrusion of the rectum through the anus).
- ● Proctocolectomy: This is an advanced operation of the bowel that involves the removal of both the rectum and colon.
What are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?
- ● Lower blood loss: Traditional surgery involves a lot of blood loss which can at times prove harmful for the patient. However, laparoscopic surgery incurs small incisions (less than 1/2 inch), reducing the likelihood of blood loss and further complications. Since the scars are minimal, the risk of infection is also reduced. Laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive. Hence, the need for blood transfusion is eliminated.
- ● Lesser pain: Post-surgery pain is one of the major reasons that prevent patients from opting for open abdomen procedures (OA). Conversely, laparoscopic surgeries are less painful, and patients do not necessarily require long-term painkillers to subdue the pain.
- ● Quick recovery: The smaller scars in laparoscopy allow patients to recover fairly quickly. Those who opt for laparoscopic surgeries can return to work much quicker than those who opt for conventional surgeries.
- ● Effective results: Since the diagnosis is performed precisely via magnification, results achieved after the treatment are reliable without much tissue loss.
- ● Highly safe: Due to the low risks, laparoscopic surgeries are far more effective and safe than conventional ones. This is considering factors like the patient’s safety, the precision of the operation, recovery time, pain, patient comfort, etc.
What are the Potential Risks in a Laparoscopy Procedure? If Any?
If you still face any severe side effects, communicate with your doctor, who will be able to assist you better on this.
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FAQ's
How Should I Prepare for Laparoscopy?
- ● Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking, especially post-midnight, before your surgery.
- ● Wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the day of surgery.
- ● Avoid wearing jewellery.
What Happens After the Surgery?
You will be discharged after your surgeon guides you on home recovery. Generally, patients leave the hospital approximately four to five hours after the surgery. Staying in the hospital overnight may not always be necessary.
You should keep visiting for follow-up appointments as instructed by your surgeon. These will happen till two to eight weeks post-surgery.
Do not indulge in any strenuous physical activity after the surgery. Make sure you have someone to accompany you for the first 24 hours.
Can Gallbladder Stones be Treated with Laparoscopic Surgery?
How Long Does it take to Recover After Laparoscopic Surgery?
The greatest advantage of the laparoscopic procedure is the convenience it offers to patients and their families. Since these surgeries are minimally invasive, the destruction to neighbouring tissues is minimal, the inflammation is lesser, blood loss is low, and recovery is quicker. The smaller incisions allow quick healing, thereby reducing recovery time and hospital stay. In most cases, patients are discharged on the same day.
Patients generally take a week to get back to their routine. However, to ensure a smooth recovery, be consistent with your follow-ups and consult with your doctor regarding any additional issue.
