Laparoscopic Surgery: Advantages, Disadvantages and Risks

The evolution of surgical methods has been tremendous over time. There have been much newer and safer surgical methods that have been introduced. Also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery, Laparoscopic surgery is used in abdominal and pelvic areas. This surgery is performed for the operations of the abdomen with almost 6 to 12-inch long cuts.

Process of Laparoscopy

The process of laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a lean and slender-shaped tool with a small video camera and light on the tip. Along with different other instruments the surgeon inserts it through the abdominal wall and performs the surgery while visualizing it on a video screen. Laparoscopic surgery is used for various surgeries and in many illnesses such as abdominal surgeries to treat appendicitis, known as laparoscopic appendix surgery, gallbladder procedures, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer, gynaecological surgeries like hysterectomies, hernia surgeries, etc.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:

Advantages of this surgery include- very small scars, fewer days in hospital as the recovery time is about 2 to 3 weeks, and hospital stay is hardly 2 nights, less tissue cutting, lesser pain during healing of scar, lesser use of pain medications, quick healing as the scar is small, get back to normal life sooner, and lastly as the exposure of internal organs gets reduced for external contaminants, the risk of infection is therefore also reduced.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:

Although there are various advantages of this surgery, there are a few disadvantages to it such as the movement of a surgeon is in a limited range because of the small invasion hole, poor depth perception, difficulty in feeling the tissue which does not allow the surgeon to judge the force that needs to be applied, and it is a non-intuitive motor skill that is difficult to learn.

Risks of Laparoscopic Surgery:

One of the most severe risks of Laparoscopic surgery is Trocar Injuries, which occur during insertion into the abdominal cavity. People with a low BMI or a history of prior abdominal surgeries are more prone to such injuries. Sometimes surgeons work with electrodes that can lead to peritonitis. There is also a risk of hypothermia and peritoneal trauma because of increased exposure to cold and dry gasses during insufflation.

Conclusion

Proper treatment given during the surgery is capable of reducing these risks and disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery. Nowadays, laparoscopic surgeons in India have also been well established who reduce the burdens of risk and help in the great recovery of the patient with laparoscopic surgery.