Laparoscopic Surgery FAQs

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is an examination of the interior of the abdomen by means of an instrument called a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a small telescope-like instrument with a light on one end which is passed through a small incision below the navel. This allows the physician to view and examine the organs in the abdominal cavity.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a method by which surgery is performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall and inserting the instruments through specially designed ports. The procedure will be visualized with the help of a camera, which will also be introduced through one of these ports.

How long do I have to stay in hospital?

A healthy person without any other medical ailments and complications can be investigated on an out- patient basis. They can come in on the day of surgery or the previous day. Following a laparoscopic procedure for gallstones or a hernia they can be discharged either on the day of surgery or the next day. For more advanced procedures three to four days in hospital would be the norm.

How soon can I start eating after surgery?

If the surgery is uneventful, feeding can be started on the same day once the patient has recovered completely from the effects of anaesthesia, provided no procedure has been performed on the bowel.

When can I get back to work?

Usually a weeks rest from the day of surgery should suffice. But it would be advisable for the surgeon to advice based on your progress.

Do I have to take absolute bed rest?

No. The advantage of this method as has been previously mentioned is that the incisions are very small, thereby reducing pain and danger of hernia. You can become ambulant as early as pain and anaesthetic factors permit.

What are the risks of laparoscopic surgery?

• There are some risks when you have general anaesthesia.
• There is chance of infection or bleeding in the wounds.
• The abdominal organs, glands, intestines, or blood vessels may be damaged.
• A blood clot may enter the bloodstream, and clog an artery in the lung.
• A hernia can develop at the site of the wounds.