Cancer Surgery - How Laparoscopy Can Help Treat It?

Laparoscopy essentially means a surgical technique that aims at minimizing the trauma of general surgery. This is also known as minimally-invasive surgery. This procedure can take the form of endoscopic and robotic technique as well. The laparoscopic technique involves making small incisions, the involvement of a camera and removing/ operating the affected part with the help of light through machines.

Laparoscopic technique in cancer: Laparoscopic surgeries are being extensively used for removal of the colon, rectum, stomach, uterus, kidney, lymph node removal etc. The laparoscopic procedure helps to reduce the size of the incision, reduce pain related complications, reduce the hospital stay and a quicker recovery period.

How old is the process?

It’s been a couple of decades since the first procedure of laparoscopy was performed. The first procedure was a gallbladder removal followed by a kidney removal. Laparoscopic procedures for cancer surgeries have only come into effect in the last 5-6 years. Since most cancer surgeries are complicated and demand a holistic involvement of a surgeon, this procedure is not followed by too many surgeons. This being said, cancer-related to the kidney, abdomen and gall bladder, laparoscopic treatments are getting more preference among surgeons.

Understanding the benefits of Laparoscopic surgery

The biggest advantage of this procedure is the minimization of pain. Apart from this, some other benefits include less bleeding, shorter duration of stay at the hospital, less scarring etc. Having said this, a lot of these factors depend on the type and location of the surgery. Typically, cancer-related surgeries involve intense pain and high recovery time. A laparoscopic procedure can help in this regard.

Know the risks involved: Every operation has its fair share of risks and complication- be it conventional surgery or laparoscopic surgery and inexperienced hands and complex surgeries can make the matter worse. Some bigger risks involved in laparoscopic procedures include complications related to the anesthesia, injury to other organs, internal infections and the risk of punctures. Patients who have undergone surgeries before runs more risk than the one who has not undergone any operation.

Cost involved: The cost involved for laparoscopic surgeries are comparatively lesser than conventional surgeries. Then again, the location and complication of the surgery also pay a deciding factor of the final cost involved. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!