Laparoscopic Surgery: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure generally used to examine the organs inside the abdomen or pelvis. It is done with the help of small incisions (0.5-1.5cm), small tubes, surgical instruments and tiny cameras. It is an uncomplicated surgery and requires a very short hospital stay. Laparoscopy is done for gynaecologic surgery, heart surgery, orthopaedic surgery, kidney surgery, neurosurgery, removing one or both adrenal glands and removing gallstones. The doctor can also take biopsy samples through this procedure. It is increasingly being preferred over traditional (open) surgeries as they involve larger incisions and longer hospital stay.

You will have to go through blood test, urinalysis, electrocardiogram and chest x ray before starting with laparoscopy. This will help the doctor in understanding the abnormality that is to be examined. You must avoid drinking or eating for eight hours before the surgery. This procedure is performed under the effect of local anaesthesia. Small incisions of about 0.5-1.5 cm will be made in the body. Then, a long, thin tube will be inserted with a tiny camera at its end to take detailed images of the organs. Laparoscopy is performed when other diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scan are not able to provide sufficient information to the doctor. Nowadays, laparoscopy surgery is being performed in place of traditional surgeries of heart, kidney, appendix, gallbladder etc. as it is more convenient than them.

If the doctor believes that your problem is not getting diagnosed through other traditional diagnostic tests, he may suggest laparoscopy. You may also go for laparoscopic surgery if, according to your doctor, it can substitute other traditional surgeries.

You must share your medical history with your doctor. If you are going through some other medical treatment, consuming certain over the counter drugs or are pregnant, the procedure may differ for you.

After the procedure, you must look out for any kind of infection. Consult your doctor if you experience fever, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, inability to urinate, redness or bleeding in the incision areas. Do not avoid any such sign.

Do not drive immediately after the procedure as you might feel dizzy because of local anaesthesia. Ask someone to drive you home. Do not put pressure on the incision areas. Wait for them to heal properly.

The time period of recovery depends on the type and severity of your condition.

Laparoscopy surgery may cost between ₹20000 and ₹75000 depending on the kind and severity of your condition.

Results of the treatment are mostly permanent.

You can go for traditional tests to diagnose your problems and conventional surgeries to treat your illnesses.