Laparoscopic Surgeries
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS), or laparoscopy, is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is used to insert a thin surgical device that has a camera into the abdomen or pelvis. For surgical guidance, the camera transmits a live video feed of the internal organs to a monitor, and the procedure is carried out through small incisions.
Laparoscopy is a versatile surgical technique that can be used for a wide range of procedures, including hernia repair, hysterectomy, stomach ulcer surgery, and weight loss surgery.
Laparoscopy is a type of procedure that involves smaller incisions than you might assume.
The procedure is named after the laparoscope, a thin tool with a tiny video camera and light on the end. When a surgeon inserts it through a small cut and into your body, they can see what’s going on inside you on a video monitor. They’d have to make a much larger opening if they didn’t have those tools. Your surgeon will not have to reach into your body, either, thanks to special instruments. This also means that there will be less cutting.
It was initially used for gallbladder surgery and gynecology procedures. The intestines, liver, and other organs were then involved.
Purpose of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is used to repair a problem in the pelvis or abdomen through surgery. Among the numerous applications for this type of surgery are:
- Cyst, polyp, or abscess removal
- Biopsy
- Keeping a bleeding blood vessel under control
- Taking out a blood clot
- Repairing Tears
- Tumor removal
- Surgical removal of an inflamed gallbladder
- Obstruction removal
- Tubal ligation or vasectomy are examples of elective care.
- Exploratory surgery is used to examine structures for diagnostic purposes.
Preparation
You will have diagnostic tests for surgical planning before your surgery. This includes non-invasive imaging tests as well as invasive procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, or hysteroscopy.
Complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, blood liver enzyme tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest X-ray may be part of your pre-operative testing.
Your healthcare provider will go over your procedure with you, including the location of your incisions, the expected healing and recovery time, and any activity restrictions you’ll have to follow while recovering.
Before Surgery
Your IV will be filled with anesthetic medication once you are in the operating room. This medication will numb your muscles, control your pain, and put you to sleep.
In addition, a throat tube for breathing support will be inserted during surgery, and a urinary catheter for urine collection may also be inserted.
A surgical drape will be placed over your abdomen or pelvis, exposing the skin where your incisions will be made. To prepare the skin for surgery, it will be cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
Procedure of Laparoscopic Surgeries
One or more skin incisions will be made before the start of your procedure. The layer of tissue between your skin and your abdominal and pelvic organs is called the mesothelium, and it will then be cut into with deeper incisions. Your stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, uterus, or other areas where you will undergo surgery may also receive additional incisions.
For the best possible visualization, your healthcare provider will place the laparoscope in the surgical area. On a monitor in the operating room, your surgical team will be able to see your internal structures. Pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) may occasionally be gently inflated into the abdominal or pelvic cavity to improve visibility.
The surgical procedure will then be carried out by your surgeon. This can entail actions like closing a tear, removing a tumor, or chopping away diseased tissue. There may be a few or many steps in your surgery.
You might undergo an imaging test, such as computerized tomography (CT) scan, to evaluate the surgical repairs while you are still in the operating room, depending on the specific procedure you are having.
In the abdominal or pelvic cavity, a temporary surgical drain may occasionally be inserted. Through a tiny opening, this tube extends outside the body to collect fluid, such as inflammatory or gastric fluid. Following your surgery, it should be left in place for a few days or weeks, as advised by your healthcare provider.
The laparoscope will be taken out after your procedure is finished, and the deep and surface incisions will be stitched or stapled shut.
Your anesthesia will be turned off after a surgical dressing is applied to your wound. Before transferring you to the post-operative recovery area, the team will remove your breathing tube and make sure you are breathing properly on your own.
After Surgery
As you emerge from surgery, you’ll go to a postoperative recovery area. We’ll keep checking your blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels. You might be prescribed medicine to treat your pain. Your medical team will also make sure any drains you have are operating properly.
You will have your urinary catheter taken out. You might need to use the restroom once you awaken. The first time you get up, you might need help walking, which a nurse can provide.
You’ll be able to start consuming crystal clear liquids. You must gradually increase your intake of food and liquids over several days if you had surgery on your stomach, esophagus, or intestines. You might be able to advance your diet more quickly if you underwent pelvic surgery. Your nurses will go over your dietary restrictions with you, as well as provide you with instructions on what to anticipate and how to proceed over the next few days.
You might be able to go home the day of your surgery, or you might need to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on your specific procedure and what was done. 6 When you leave the hospital, you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for yourself while you recover and when to see your healthcare provider next.
Recovering
You might experience some pain as you recover from surgery. During this time, you are permitted to take the painkillers your doctor has prescribed. Over the first few days, the pain should lessen; if it worsens, you should contact your surgeon’s office.
Your wound and drain need to be kept tidy and dry. Your incision or incisions need to be cared for even if they are small.
You must occasionally empty your drain if you have one. You’ll learn what typical drainage looks like from your surgeon.