Laparoscopy and Robotic surgery
What is Laparoscopy/Robotic surgery?
In contrast to open surgery, which requires a lengthy (20–25 cm) incision, laparoscopy only requires a few tiny ports (5–10 mm) to be made. Typically, 4-5 of these ports are inserted into the abdomen to carry out the procedure. To visualize inside, a camera that is attached to a light source is inserted into one port. The remaining ports are used to insert specially designed thin instruments. To create a workspace, gas is inflated into the abdomen. The abdominal wall is raised above the internal organs by the gas, allowing the instruments to move around and the surgery to be done. Using laparoscopic tools, surgeon removes the tumor.
Advantages
Open surgery causes delayed healing, extended hospital stays, and extreme discomfort. Laparoscopy causes less pain and eliminates the need for unpleasant injections. Less discomfort means faster recovery and less time in the hospital. The risk of pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis is reduced by early ambulation. Laparoscopy results in less blood loss and the need for transfusions than open surgery. Because the scar is less than 1 cm in length, there is a very low risk of infection, wound rupture, and incisional hernia. Bowel movement is restored early on, assisting with the early initiation of eating. The patient is discharged early and can return to work right away.
Indications
- Gynaecology – Endometrial, cervical and early stage ovarian cancers
- Gastroenterology – Colon, rectum, gall bladder and stomach cancers
- Urology – Kidney, bladder, and ureter cancers
- Thoracic - Lung, esophageal and mediastinal cancers