Our Summary

Laparoscopic surgery, often referred to as “keyhole surgery,” is becoming more popular due to its benefits for patients, including less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars. However, the uptake of this type of surgery is slower than expected, in part because of the difficult technique of suturing or stitching up the patient inside their body while only viewing the operation on a screen.

This study looked at different research articles from 2010 to 2016 and found that there are some issues with laparoscopic suturing. It can make the surgery last longer, potentially cause complications, and can sometimes lead to mistakes by the surgeons. However, it does also lead to better outcomes for patients, like improved appearance, better digestion, and more regular bowel movements.

Despite improvements in surgical techniques and new tools, this difficult suturing still stands in the way of more surgeons adopting keyhole surgery methods. The researchers emphasize that more training is needed in this suturing technique to help improve patient results and lower healthcare costs.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic surgery and why is it becoming more popular?
  2. What are some of the difficulties and potential complications associated with laparoscopic suturing?
  3. What improvements or actions are suggested by the researchers to increase the uptake of laparoscopic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to ask their surgeon about their experience and training in laparoscopic suturing. Patients can feel more confident in their surgeon’s ability to perform the procedure successfully if they have received specialized training in this particular aspect of laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic surgery include those with conditions such as:

  1. Gallbladder disease
  2. Appendicitis
  3. Hernias
  4. Endometriosis
  5. Uterine fibroids
  6. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  7. Colorectal conditions
  8. Pancreatic conditions
  9. Liver conditions
  10. Kidney conditions

It is important for patients to discuss with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic surgery is the best option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of pre-operative tests and consultations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include blood tests, imaging scans, and discussions with the surgical team.

During the surgery itself, the patient is placed under general anesthesia and small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert a camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon performs the necessary procedure while viewing a magnified image of the internal organs on a monitor.

After the surgery, the patient is monitored closely in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home. They may experience some pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the days following the surgery, but this typically improves as they continue to recover.

Overall, patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery tend to have a faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay, and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery. With proper post-operative care and follow-up appointments, patients can expect to resume their normal activities and see improvements in their health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic surgery:

  1. What specific type of laparoscopic surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
  4. How experienced is the surgeon in performing laparoscopic surgery?
  5. Will I need any special preparation or follow-up care for laparoscopic surgery?
  6. How long will the surgery take, and what is the expected recovery time?
  7. Will I have smaller scars with laparoscopic surgery, and how will they be managed?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures, such as suturing, during the laparoscopic surgery?
  9. What are the success rates of laparoscopic surgery for my specific condition?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with laparoscopic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lim S, Ghosh S, Niklewski P, Roy S. Journal: JSLS. 2017 Jul-Sep;21(3):e2017.00021. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2017.00021. PMID: 28694682