Laparoscopy (closed) surgery is surgery performed through small incisions not exceeding 3-5 cm.
It is popularly known as closed surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a method that causes less physical damage to the person compared to other open surgeries and is therefore more preferred. With laparoscopic techniques, abnormal findings in the abdominal region can be detected and it is also an important technique used in the treatment of surgical diseases in general.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
It has come into practice in the last 25-30 years, aiming to perform surgical operations by closed method. It is a minimally invasive method, the aim is to perform surgeries without making large incisions in the abdomen. It first started in the field of gynecology and then became one of the important building blocks of general surgery. It is an important method of modern surgery. It is especially used in abdominal cavity and more limitedly in chest cavity surgeries.
The operation is performed under the camera view through tiny incisions using special tools.
Why is laparoscopic surgery used?
Thanks to this method, there are smaller incisions in the body and it is more aesthetic.
Surgery is performed by seeing great images and details during the operation.
After the surgery, the patient has less pain and a faster recovery period. Postoperative risks are less (incision hernias, infection, bleeding ...)
How is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?
The abdominal cavity is inflated with CO2 gas given from a special device through a small incision made in the navel of the patient who is anesthetized with general anesthesia, creating enough space for surgery, then a camera called a laparoscope is inserted. Special tools for surgery are inserted under the camera view and the surgery is performed by looking at the large screen. Stomach, liver, gall bladder, appendicitis, intestine, kidney, gynecological surgeries can be performed. In some cases, it is also applied for diagnostic purposes.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgeries have both advantages and some disadvantages, this should always be taken into consideration and a decision should be made according to which is more dominant.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
- Since the surgical incision is much smaller than in conventional surgeries, the risk of bleeding is lower.
- Risks such as bleeding, infection and pain are less.
- It is more comfortable for the patient, the healing process and pain are less. Normal life and activities can be resumed more quickly.
- The patient is discharged from the hospital more quickly. This reduces both the risks for the patient and the burden on hospitals.
Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
- The cost of surgery is higher than conventional surgeries. It is more expensive.
- It may not be suitable in very complicated problematic organ situations. Because if the anatomical structures cannot be seen completely, it becomes difficult to perform surgery.
- Since the image is 2-dimensional, it may be difficult to fully feel the organ. It may cause difficulty in cases where large tissues need to be cut and removed.
- Specialized instruments are required and a special department is needed for their maintenance.
- In case of complications during surgery, it may be necessary to return to open surgery.
- Requires qualified personnel.
Recovery after laparoscopic surgery?
Since laparoscopy surgery is performed with small incisions, the recovery process is faster, more aesthetic and the risks after surgery are much smaller.
