Keyhole Surgery - Everything You Should Know!

Keyhole surgery, more commonly known as laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The keyhole technique has gained immense popularity over the last few years and is a preferred choice of treatment among patients and doctors alike.

Types of laparoscopy:

There are two types of laparoscopic surgery-

• Telescopic rod lens surgery
• Digital laparoscopy (the latest model of surgery)

How is laparoscopy performed?

This surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon drills minute holes into the abdominal cavity. Through one, a laparoscope (a tiny device with a camera and light attached) is inserted and directed to the area where the trouble lies. This device lights up the inside of the abdomen, the camera captures images, and they are displayed on a screen. This guides the surgeon who can now perform the surgery without having to resort to cutting the patient open.

You will be discharged on the same day as the surgery.

Why is laparoscopy beneficial?

Laparoscopy has almost completely replaced open surgeries because they are more convenient.

• It is minimally invasive. The doctor does not make large cuts, just a few tiny holes. Therefore, recuperation is fast. The patient can get back to her/his regular lifestyle in days.
• Keyhole surgeries are less painful
• Since it is minimally invasive, there is very little blood loss
• Laparoscopy means no trauma. No muscles and tissues are damaged during this procedure.
• This surgery does not leave any scars
• There are hardly any instances of infection setting in after a laparoscopy
• It does not cause damage to the nearby organs

When do doctors use laparoscopy?

Since its invention, laparoscopy has gained a lot of popularity because it is a clean and efficient surgery, which does not lead to an infection or tissue damage. Doctors are prescribing this type of surgery for a vast array of medical fields.

• Gynaecology - This is the field, which deals with problems of the female reproductive system. Laparoscopy can be used for removing ovarian cysts, for amputating the uterus and for tubal litigation (a form of female sterilization) and for treatment of endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic adhesions.

• Gastroenterology - This is the field, which deals with problems of the digestive system. Laparoscopy can treat Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, bowel problems, rectal prolapse, colitis, constipation etc.

• Urology - This branch of medicine deals with diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder. Keyhole surgery is effective for surgeries like nephrectomy, removal of kidney stones etc.

Keyhole surgery is a groundbreaking technology that has revolutionized medical science and come to the aid of both doctors and patients.