Laparoscopic or “minimal Access Surgery” is a highly specialized
technique for performing surgery of abdomen. In the past, this surgical
technique was commonly used only for gynecologic surgery, for diagnostic
laparoscopy in cases of infertility and for gall bladder surgery. Over
the last 10 years the use of this specialized surgical technique has
expanded into intestinal surgery.
In traditional “open” surgery the surgeon uses a single incision to
enter into the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses several 0.5-1cm
incisions. Each incision is called a “port.” At each port a tubular
instrument known as a trochar and cannulla is inserted. Specialized
instruments and a special telescope known as a laparoscope are passed
through the port during the procedure. At the beginning of the
procedure, the patient’s abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to
provide a working and viewing space for the laparoscopic surgeon. The
laparoscope transmits images from the abdominal cavity to
high-resolution video monitors through a digitally advanced camera
system in the operating room. During the operation the surgeon watches
detailed images of the abdomen on the high resolution monitor. This
system allows the surgeon to perform the same operations as traditional
surgery but with smaller multiple incisions. However recently single
incision laparoscopic surgery is also evolved. This incision is done in
the umbilical area, so that the scar will practically not show later on.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
Compared to traditional open surgery, patients often experience less
pain, an earlier recovery, and less scarring with laparoscopic surgery.
Operations which can be performed using laparoscopic surgery?
Most of the abdominal and thoracic advanced surgeries can be performed
using the laparoscopic technique in experienced hand.
These include surgery for gallbladder, duodenal perforation,
appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis,
cancer, rectal prolapse and severe constipation as well as most
gynecological and many urological procedures.
In the past there had been concern raised about the safety of
laparoscopic surgery for radical cancer operations. But recently several
studies involving hundreds of patients have shown that laparoscopic
surgery is safe for certain colorectal cancers, prostate cancer and for
the resection of metastases.
