Laparoscopy: an improved procedure to help patients
The development of Laparoscopy has been pretty i mpressive over t he years. It developed to become a much refined and popularized technique with developments in technology, better cameras and instruments. In today’s day and age, on recognizing the range of operations that laparoscopy covers, extending from simple procedures to complex operations, i s overwhelming.
Laparoscopy is a procedure that uses a laparoscope, a thin telescope like surgical instrument with a source of light, to look inside the abdominal or pelvic cavity to perform certain operations. CO2 gas is used to inflate the abdominal wall slightly so as to get a better view, the laparoscope is then inserted carefully so that the surgeon can see the images on a TV monitor connected to it.
This method may be used to diagnose reasons for abdominal or pelvic pain or to see conditions like ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis etc. A laparoscopic diagnosis may also lead to a treatment. It is also used as a surgical procedure wherein one or more incisions are made in the abdomen and the surgical instruments are inserted.
Laparoscopy has a number of benefits to its credit in comparison to open surgeries. In Laparoscopic surgeries minimal or small incisions are made leading to lesser blood loss and fewer unwanted wounds. The smaller incision size also ensures lesser pain, the internal organs are less exposed to the external environment hence leaving very less chance for any infections. Patients prefer small scars than large ones which is a major advantage for them. Shorter hospital stay, quick recovery time are other benefits that help decrease the risk of issues caused due to long bed rests and inactivity. These advantages that Laparoscopy has to its credit is what makes it so popular among patients.
Laparoscopic procedures are widely used in Gynecology as a procedure alternative to open surgery. Laparoscopic Gynecology enables the review of diagnostic doubts and treatment of underlying diseases. It can be used for both major and minor surgeries. Removal of the uterus, fibroid removal, treatment for Endometriosis, Tubal ligation, removal of adhesions etc. are a few of the conditions in which Laparoscopy in the method of choice.
Open surgery is the most conventional form of surgery being used even today. It involves making a large incision into the abdomen to expose the area of the body where the operation is to be performed. In such surgeries, the surgeon visualizes the surgery through the incision. With developments in technology, surgical methods have changed and Laparoscopic measures have been developed as an alternative to open surgical methods. Although a number of surgeries these days are becoming minimally invasive, there are still a number of surgeries that are done through traditional methods. Not all health conditions can be treated laparoscopically.
The surgical procedure or actual operation of both open surgery and Laparoscopic surgery are the same, the only difference being the tech- niques used for the surgery. Until the development of newer surgical methods, every surgery was done through open procedures, much of the pain associated with post open surgery is because of the large incision made during the operation. Open surgery requires longer recovery time hence disrupting daily activities. Despite certain disadvantages in comparison to Laparoscopic techniques, certain serious health conditions like cancer or large pelvic mass, continue to be treated through open surgical methods. There are also times when the surgery may begin laparoscopically but may convert to an open surgery if the surgeon considers necessary. Some patients are unable to have laparoscopic surgery, patients who have unrecognized abnormalities, inflammation, previous abdominal surgeries etc.
In addition to laparoscopy being the choice of procedure, surgeons need to be equally skilled for the same. Every surgeon may conduct an open surgery but a surgeon needs to be specially trained and certified in order to operate laparoscopically. Both the surgeries present success rates and are equally safe. The risk associated with any surgery is determined by the nature of the surgery and the general health condition of the individual undergoing the operation.
Laparoscopic procedures are widely used in today’s medical field but definitely do not mark the end of conventional procedure.