Laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery), is a minimum invasive method to examine conditions in the stomach. A laparoscope, a light and a thin tube fitted with a camera, is inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall. The camera then projects images on a screen, giving a clear view of the surgeon internal organs.
Compared to open surgery, which requires a 6–12-inch incision, laparoscopic surgery usually requires only 2–4 small cuts, each in half an inch wide in each. An opening is used for the camera, while other are for surgical devices. This method helps reduce pain, reduce scarring, and allow patients to cure more quickly.
Laparoscopy Purpose
Doctors may recommend laparoscopy to identify stomach or pelvic pain, cause of inflammation or to examine findings from previous scans such as X-rays or ultrasound. This allows the surgeon to directly visualize the abdominal abdominal cavity for more accurate diagnosis.
Some conditions that can be examined or treated through laparoscopy include:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian cyst
- Appendicitis
During laparoscopy, the surgeon can take a sample of abnormal tissue or development for biopsy. This process can also be used to remove ulcers, fibroids, stones or blockages when examining the area.
Now in Kerala, IQRAA Hospital (IQRAA International Hospital & Research Centre) is reputed for its Department of Gynaecological Oncology, providing specialized care with advanced facilities and expert medical guidance. Patients can consult the best laparoscopy surgeon in Kozhikode for proper diagnosis, safe surgical care, and follow-up support.
What surgeries can be treated with laparoscopy?
Today, many routine surgeries can be performed using laparoscopy. However, some complicated conditions may still require open surgery. Common procedures done using laparoscopy include:
- Tubal ligation and reversal
- Remove ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube).
- Laparoscopy can be used to treat endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
- Urethral and vaginal reconstruction surgery
- Gallbladder removal to treat gallstones
- Appendix removal to treat appendicitis
- Hysterectomy – removal of the uterus
- Colectomy (bowel resection surgery)
- Abdominoperineal resection
- Cystectomy (bladder removal)
- Prostatectomy (prostate removal)
- Adrenalectomy (adrenal gland removal)
How to prepare for laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgeries are usually done under general anaesthesia. Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of nausea caused by anaesthesia. If no complications occur, most patients can be discharged and go home on the same day. It is recommended to have a relative or friend accompany them, as they may still feel disoriented after the anaesthesia. Some medications may need to be temporarily stopped as advised by the doctor.
Before the surgery, the patient’s vital signs are checked to ensure they are fit for the procedure. Additional tests, such as blood work or imaging, may also be conducted.
Once ready, the patient is taken to the operating room. An IV (intravenous) line is inserted in the arm to provide anaesthesia and fluids, and in some cases, a breathing tube is also placed.
Before the Procedure
Patients are usually asked to fast for a few hours before surgery to reduce the risk of nausea caused by anaesthesia.If no complications occur, most patients can be discharged and go home on the same day. However, it is advised to have a relative or friend accompany them, as they may still feel disoriented from the anaesthesia.
Doctors may also instruct patients to stop certain medications prior to surgery. Vital signs are checked, and additional tests such as blood work or imaging may be carried out to ensure the patient is fit for the procedure.
Once cleared, the patient is taken to the operating room. An IV (intravenous) line is inserted in the arm to provide anaesthesia and fluids, and in some cases, a breathing tube is also placed.
During the Procedure
The surgeon carefully cuts a small opening near the belly button or pelvic bone. A trocar and gas tube are inserted through this opening to inflate the abdominal cavity, giving the surgeon a clear view of the internal organs.
The laparoscope then projects live images of the surgical site onto a monitor, guiding the surgeon throughout the procedure.
Sometimes, a surgical drain is placed after surgery to remove excess fluid from the body. After the surgery is finished, the gas is released, the incisions are closed, and the patient's vital signs are monitored before the breathing tube is removed.
After the Procedure
Following surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery room where vital signs are monitored. Some patients may feel shoulder-tip pain due to the gas used during the procedure, which irritates the diaphragm. This pain is temporary and normally fades quickly.
If needed, the doctor may keep the patient under observation for longer. Clear instructions are provided regarding wound care, diet, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Reach out to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following:
- High fever/chills
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Uncontrollable pain
- Swelling at the incision sites
- Excessive bleeding
What are the advantages of this procedure?
The advantages of this procedure are as follows:
- Minimal blood loss and trauma to the abdominal wall due to the procedure being less invasive, resulting in less postoperative pain and a shorter hospital stay.
- The scar usually fades and may disappear within a few months after the procedure.
- Reduces the risk of wound infection
- Faster recovery
- Advancing Patient Care with Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery improves patient care by being less invasive, reducing pain, and allowing faster recovery. Smaller incisions lower the risk of infection and scarring. Patients may often return to their normal activities, experience low disruption in daily routine, and can benefit from accurate treatment with minimal complications.
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