Our Summary

This study is about the use of different types of laparoscopic surgeries in the English-speaking Caribbean. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique, where small incisions are made in the abdomen to perform surgery, using a camera and special instruments.

Traditional laparoscopy involves making multiple small incisions, while single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) uses just one incision, usually in the navel. While the multiple incision method is becoming more popular in the Caribbean, SILS has not been adopted as quickly.

This paper aims to compare data on the use of both these surgical techniques in the English-speaking Caribbean region.

FAQs

  1. What is single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and how does it compare to conventional multi-port laparoscopy in the Caribbean?
  2. Why has SILS lagged behind conventional multi-port laparoscopy in the English-speaking Caribbean?
  3. What data was used to compare SILS and conventional multi-port laparoscopy in the Caribbean?

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 medical team, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. This can help reduce the risk of complications during surgery and promote a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Laparoscopic surgery is typically recommended for patients who have conditions that can be treated through minimally invasive techniques. This includes patients with conditions such as gallbladder disease, appendicitis, hernias, and certain types of cancer. Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred for patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and who do not have significant scar tissue or other factors that may complicate the procedure. Patients who are recommended for laparoscopic surgery are typically those who can benefit from the shorter recovery time, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications associated with this minimally invasive approach.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the potential risks and benefits of laparoscopic surgery.
  2. Pre-operative testing and preparation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Informed consent process where the patient agrees to undergo laparoscopic surgery after understanding the procedure and its risks.
  4. Pre-operative appointment to review the surgery plan and answer any remaining questions.

After laparoscopic surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) immediately after surgery.
  2. Transfer to a hospital room for monitoring and pain management.
  3. Gradual introduction of clear liquids followed by solid foods as tolerated.
  4. Physical therapy and mobility exercises to prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.

Overall, laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, shorter recovery time, and reduced risk of complications. It is important for patients to closely follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
  2. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic surgery?
  3. Are there any specific pre-operative instructions or restrictions I should follow?
  4. How long will the surgery take and what is the expected recovery time?
  5. What are the potential long-term effects or outcomes of laparoscopic surgery?
  6. Will I need any special post-operative care or follow-up appointments?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  8. What is the success rate of laparoscopic surgery for my specific condition?
  9. Can you explain the difference between single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and conventional multi-port laparoscopy?
  10. Are there any specific factors that may make me a better candidate for one type of laparoscopic surgery over the other?

Reference

Authors: Cawich SO, FaSiOen P, Singh Y, Francis W, Mohanty SK, Naraynsingh V, Dapri G. Journal: Int J Surg. 2019 Dec;72S:13-18. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.05.009. Epub 2019 May 24. PMID: 31132463