Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, has revolutionised the field of surgical intervention, offering patients a new alternative to traditional open surgery. The procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen through which a thin, long flexible tube with a camera attached called a laparoscope is inserted to get images of the internal organs. Though the technique is done to treat the abdomen and its organs, it is also performed for piles, fixtures, fistulas, and pilonidal sinuses.
The surgeon then uses tools to examine and remove the unhealthy tissues or stones. While there are many benefits of laparoscopic surgery, some complications do occur and are quite serious.
In this blog, we will explore the potential risks associated with the procedure. You will also learn the main advantages of having a laparoscopic method used in the treatment of various diseases.
Pros Of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery involves less cutting and offers several advantages over other procedures, stated a reputed surgeon who is well-known for performing laparoscopic surgery in Kolkata. These include:
Less trauma: Fine instruments are used during the procedure, which causes less trauma to the tissues and internal organs.
Shorter hospital stay: After undergoing laparoscopic surgery, patients are usually discharged from the hospitals or nursing homes on the same day. Even if it is a complicated one, they are required to stay for a night or two.
Quick recovery: The recovery period after the procedure depends on the patient’s health. However, as compared to open surgeries, the healing period is usually shorter, and individuals are able to return to their daily routine after following the doctor’s instructions.
Less dependency on pain medications: As minimal pain and blood loss are involved in the procedure, patients need fewer pain medicines during healing.
Improved cosmetics: Laparoscopic surgery results in smaller scars that tend to fade within a few months and are barely noticeable over time.
How Safe Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is completely safe and even considered less complicated as compared to open surgeries. The reason is that there is no direct contact between the surgeon and the patient during the procedure, and hence no germ transfer. Moreover, as there are minimal incisions, no such postoperative risks are involved as such.
However, there are few cases where patients have reported to have suffered from infections and bleeding. Let’s understand why and whether there is any possibility of common issues.
Complications Of Laparoscopic Surgery
Following the surgery, problems only arise if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced surgeon. Moreover, if the patient had any underlying medical condition that was not disclosed to the doctor, there is an increased chance of complications, stated a well-known surgeon who has been performing laparoscopic surgery in Kolkata for years. These include:
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Blood clots in the veins or other body parts
- Infection and formation of abscess
- Organ injury if the instruments are not used properly
- Allergic reactions to anaesthesia
- Internal adhesions from scar tissue
- Hernia due to tissue damage
When laparoscopic surgery is carried out for abdominal issues, carbon dioxide is used by the doctor to inflate the cavity. If you have any cardiopulmonary problems, it will put you at risk of these complications.
- Hypercapnia (carbon dioxide retention)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema (air trapped under the skin or in the chest cavity)
- Hypothermia (if cold gas isn’t prewarmed)
Wrapping up
Before undergoing laparoscopic surgery, make sure to discuss your medical history with your surgeon to identify the post-surgical issues beforehand. Also, always consult an experienced surgeon who has performed such surgeries in the past successfully.
