Our Summary

This research paper is about the benefits of laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive surgery technique) in a developing country, specifically Nigeria. The researchers looked at the results of 261 surgeries done with and without the laparoscopic method. The three types of surgeries reviewed were gallbladder removal, appendix removal, and biopsy of abdominal mass. The researchers found that patients who had laparoscopic surgery stayed in the hospital for a significantly shorter time than those who underwent traditional open surgery. They also found no difference in the rate of wound complications between the two types of surgery. Additionally, the cost to the patient for laparoscopic surgery was also found to be lower than for open surgery. The researchers concluded that laparoscopic surgery could be beneficial in a developing country’s hospital setting, but more research is needed to understand the total costs to the hospital, including the cost of buying and maintaining laparoscopic equipment.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were examined in this research study on laparoscopic techniques?
  2. What benefits were found for patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  3. Why did the researchers conclude that more research is needed to understand the total costs of laparoscopic surgery to the hospital?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting before the procedure and disclosing all medications and medical conditions to the surgical team. Additionally, patients should be aware that while laparoscopic surgery typically results in faster recovery times and less scarring than traditional open surgery, there are still risks involved and it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic surgery include those who require procedures such as gallbladder removal, appendix removal, hernia repair, biopsy of abdominal mass, and certain gynecological procedures. These patients may benefit from the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery, which can result in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgery. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for laparoscopic surgery, and the decision to undergo this type of surgery should be made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for laparoscopic surgery.
  2. Patient is instructed on pre-operative preparations such as fasting and medication management.
  3. Patient meets with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  4. Patient signs consent forms and completes any necessary paperwork.
  5. Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery.

After laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Patient is taken to the recovery room immediately after surgery for monitoring.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision sites, but this is typically managed with pain medication.
  3. Patient is encouraged to start moving around as soon as possible to prevent blood clots and aid in recovery.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital once they are stable and able to tolerate oral intake.
  5. Patient is given post-operative instructions for wound care, activity level, and follow-up appointments.
  6. Patient may experience some bloating and gas pain in the days following surgery, but this typically resolves on its own.
  7. Patient follows up with the surgeon for a post-operative appointment to assess healing and discuss any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgeries?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery time be compared to traditional open surgery?
  4. Will I need any special preparation before the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  6. How long will the surgery take?
  7. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery?
  8. Will I have any restrictions or limitations after the surgery?
  9. How soon can I return to work or normal activities?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after laparoscopic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Smiley KE, Wuraola F, Mojibola BO, Aderounmu A, Price RR, Adisa AO. Journal: JSLS. 2023 Jan-Mar;27(1):e2022.00081. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2022.00081. PMID: 36741686