The Laparoscopic surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical method that requires much smaller incisions compared to the classic “open” surgery, i.e. the open laparotomy.
The surgery takes its name from the laparoscope, a special optical instrument with a tiny video camera and light at the end. When the surgeon inserts this tool through a small hole in the body, at the same time he has an image of the internal organs, through a video screen. Thanks to these special high-tech tools, surgical diagnosis and treatment are possible without opening large incisions and without the surgeon even touching the organs.
Laparoscopic surgery was initially used for gallbladder and gynecological procedures. Today, a wide range of diseases of the upper and lower digestive system are treated surgically with the laparoscopic method.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:
- Post-operative pain is minimal.
- The burden on the heart and respiratory system of the patient postoperatively is significantly less.
- The mobilization of the patient after the operation is very fast, while the postoperative hospitalization time does not exceed one day
- The time to return to daily activity is much shorter.
- The aesthetic result is clearly better.
- Avoiding the creation of postoperative adhesions.
Safe invasive procedure
Laparoscopy is now a common procedure and serious complications are rare. Minor complications after laparoscopy are estimated to occur in 1 or 2 out of 100 cases. These include:
- contamination
- slight bleeding and bruising around the incision
- feeling unwell
Serious complications after laparoscopy are estimated to occur in 1 in 1,000 cases.
Diagnosis through laparoscopy
Laparoscopy can be used as a diagnostic method for some conditions such as:
- Surgical abdominal infections such as acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, diverticulitis, peritonitis from rupture of a viscera
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Endometriosis
- Ectopic pregnancy
Laparoscopy can also be used to diagnose certain types of cancer. The laparoscope is used to take a sample of suspected cancerous tissue so it can be sent to the lab for examination. This is known as a biopsy.
Treatment through laparoscopic surgery
The laparoscopic method can be used for the surgical treatment of conditions such as:
- removal of inflamed appendix
- gallbladder removal
- removal of part of the small or large intestine
- repair of hernias such as inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, femoral hernia, epigastric hernia and postoperative hernia
- having weight loss surgery
- Cancers in various abdominal organs
Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is generally faster than open laparotomy, making this minimally invasive approach the most beneficial for the patient.
The laparoscopic technique can be chosen for various other purely technical reasons. For example, when a lesion is small but deep in the pelvic or abdominal cavity, the laparoscopic approach is indicated so that the surgeon can access the area while causing minimal disruption to the surrounding organs.
There are issues that are decisive for the decision to choose the laparoscopic or open surgical method.
An important criterion is the safety and satisfaction of the patient and for each case separately and individually.
You and your doctor will discuss the various options for treating your problem, including the pros and cons of a laparoscopic approach.
Preparation for laparoscopic surgery
Before surgery, you will need to undergo diagnostic tests for the best possible surgical planning. These may include non-invasive imaging procedures as well as invasive tests.
Preoperative testing usually includes a complete blood count, biochemical tests, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray.
Your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you, including the location of the incisions he will make, the expected healing and recovery time, and any activity restrictions you will need to follow during your recovery.
Laparoscopy is performed in the operating theater of a private or public hospital.
Medicines
You may need to reduce or stop taking anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications for several days before surgery. It may also be necessary to stop or adjust the doses of other medicines you are taking.
Depending on the case, it is possible to take an oral antibiotic before the operation.
Your attending doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the use of medications before the laparoscopic procedure.
Feeding
You should refrain from eating or drinking the night before the operation
Clothing
On the day of your laparoscopic surgery, it is a good idea to wear loose and comfortable clothing to facilitate your transition from the hospital to home after surgery.
Documents and other necessary actions
When you go to the hospital for the surgery, you must bring a form of identification, your insurance information and the necessary to pay the necessary expenses.
You should also have someone with you who can drive you home when you are discharged after surgery.
Before and during surgery
After the formalities have been settled at the hospital reception desk, you will be shown to your ward. Your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, breathing and oxygen levels will be monitored before surgery. You will be inserted into a vein to administer serum and/or medication.
You will likely see the surgeon and anesthetist before you are taken into the operating room.
When you are in the operating room and before the start of the operation, the anesthesiologist will introduce you to anesthesia. while the placement of a urine collection catheter is also possible.
Your abdomen and/or pelvis will be draped with a surgical drape leaving only the area of skin where the incisions will be made exposed. The skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and will now be ready for surgery.
After the Surgery
As you regain consciousness you will be taken to a post-operative care and recovery area. Your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate and oxygen will continue to be monitored. You may be given medication to control the pain. If you have a urinary catheter it will be removed. When you fully recover from the anaesthesia, you may need to go to the toilet and may need a nurse’s help the first time you stand up.
You will be able to start drinking clear liquids.
The doctor and nurses will explain your dietary restrictions and give you instructions on what to expect and how to proceed.
Depending on the procedure followed and the result, you may be able to go home the same day as the operation, or you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Recovery and care after laparoscopy
Your recovery depends on the operation you had. Although the procedure is minimally invasive, the body needs time to recover. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will receive specific instructions about when to see your doctor and how to take care of yourself while you recover.
In any case, you need to make sure your incision is clean and dry. Even though your incision or incisions are small, care and diligent care are essential.
There is a possibility of postoperative constipation. Depending on the type of laparoscopic surgery, you may be given nutritional strategies or medication to prevent and treat constipation.
You may also have other problems, such as difficulty sleeping, pain and fatigue.
During the post-operative period there is likely to be pain. You can use painkillers prescribed by your doctor to treat it. The pain over the course of days and taking painkillers should disappear. Worsening pain is a sign that you should call your surgeon immediately without waiting for the appointed appointment.
Also, don’t wait to contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms that could indicate a problem that requires immediate treatment:
- Persistent pain
- Edema
- Abdominal distension
- Bleeding or oozing fluid or pus around the wound
- Redness around the wound
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
What to expect after laparoscopy
No long-term care is needed for your recovery from laparoscopic surgery.
But it is possible that it is needed because of the underlying disease that led you to the laparoscopic operation. For example, if you underwent a laparoscopic colectomy due to a polyp in the large intestine, you will need to repeat the colonoscopy after some time and continue to be under medical supervision.
Lifestyle adjustments
In general, lifestyle adjustments after laparoscopic surgery focus on managing the medical problem that required surgery in the first place. This may mean that you may need to take medication, follow a restricted diet, or avoid habits that make certain gastrointestinal conditions worse (such as smoking or alcohol).
Choose the right doctor
Laparoscopic surgery is a modern, safe and minimally invasive method used to minimize the size of surgical incisions and shorten recovery time. However, this surgical approach does not necessarily reduce the risk of surgical or postoperative complications, and conversion to open surgery may be necessary if complications occur during laparoscopy. Your surgeon will advise you on the best surgical approach to optimize your recovery in your particular case.
Therefore, it is very important to choose a surgeon with special knowledge and long experience in both laparoscopies and classical surgery. Dr. Konstantinos Alexiou has performed more than 10,000 operations of all kinds. With specialization – among others – in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery and Telesurgery. Dr. Konstantinos Alexiou is the General Surgeon who will provide a definitive solution to any of your problems using the most appropriate and appropriate treatment for you. Contact Dr. Konstantinos Alexiou to expose the health issue you are facing and make an appointment for a lifetime meeting at his practice in Maroussi.
