Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of laparoscopic surgery in different types of digestive procedures. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where small incisions are made in the patient’s body and a camera (laparoscope) is inserted to guide the surgery. It is now a common practice in many procedures like gallbladder removal, anti-reflux surgery, and weight loss surgery. It is also frequently used in colon or stomach surgery, where its benefits are widely accepted.

However, for more complex surgeries like those involving the esophagus, liver, or pancreas, laparoscopic surgery is not often used because it requires a high level of skill. Therefore, there is less clinical evidence to support its use in these cases.

In recent years, robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries have become more common, but there’s not enough evidence yet to compare its effectiveness with the traditional laparoscopic approach. This paper will review these complex and potentially controversial procedures, as well as provide updates on new robot-assisted techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic surgery and what procedures is it commonly used for?
  2. What is the role of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in complex digestive procedures?
  3. Why are esophageal, liver, or pancreatic resections infrequently performed using the laparoscopic approach?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team, such as fasting guidelines and medication restrictions. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the procedure to ensure a successful outcome. After surgery, be sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Remember to attend all follow-up appointments and inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms or changes in your condition.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic surgery include those requiring procedures such as cholecystectomy, Nissen’s fundoplication, obesity surgery, colon or gastric resection. However, more complex procedures such as esophageal, liver or pancreatic resections may also be performed laparoscopically, but require a high level of skill. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is also being increasingly utilized, although there is limited evidence comparing it to traditional laparoscopic approaches. Overall, laparoscopic surgery is commonly recommended for a variety of digestive procedures, with the specific recommendation depending on the individual patient’s condition and the skill level of the surgical team.

Timeline

Before Laparoscopic Surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Patient is informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits
  • Patient may need to follow special diet or medication instructions
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications before surgery
  • Patient may need to fast before surgery
  • Patient may need to shower with a special soap the night before surgery

After Laparoscopic Surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room
  • Patient may experience pain, nausea, or discomfort
  • Patient may have restrictions on diet and physical activity
  • Patient may need to take medication for pain and to prevent infection
  • Patient may need to follow-up with the surgeon for post-operative care
  • Patient may need to attend physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Patient may gradually resume normal activities as advised by the surgeon

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure will be performed using laparoscopic surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long will the surgery take and how long is the recovery time?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. How many laparoscopic surgeries has the surgeon performed, and what is their success rate?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  8. Will there be any scarring or long-term effects from the surgery?
  9. How soon can I return to normal activities and work after the surgery?
  10. What follow-up care or appointments will be necessary after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Rodríguez-Sanjuán JC, Gómez-Ruiz M, Trugeda-Carrera S, Manuel-Palazuelos C, López-Useros A, Gómez-Fleitas M. Journal: World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Feb 14;22(6):1975-2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i6.1975. PMID: 26877605