Our Summary

This research paper involves a survey of surgeons who are members of the WSES (World Society of Emergency Surgery) to see how often they use minimally invasive surgery (like laparoscopy) in emergency situations. Despite evidence that these procedures can be safe and effective, the survey found that they are not being used as often as they could be.

In fact, only 28.7% of respondents said they use laparoscopic techniques (where you operate through a small hole rather than a large incision) in more than half of their emergency cases. Those who were most likely to use these methods were surgeons with more experience, those who use laparoscopy in non-emergency procedures, and those with expertise in weight-loss surgery.

The research concludes that there needs to be more emphasis on training emergency surgeons in these minimally invasive techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is the percentage of surgeons surveyed who use laparoscopic techniques in over half of their emergency cases?
  2. Who are the surgeons most likely to use minimally invasive surgeries in emergency situations according to the survey?
  3. What does the research paper suggest to increase the usage of minimally invasive surgeries in emergency situations?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about minimally invasive surgery is that it often results in less pain, smaller scars, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. It is important for patients to discuss with their healthcare provider if minimally invasive surgery is an option for their condition and to inquire about the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Suitable For

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

  • Gallbladder disease
  • Hernias
  • Appendicitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colon cancer
  • Gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts or fibroids
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Obesity (for weight-loss surgery)

These patients may benefit from minimally invasive surgery due to shorter recovery times, less pain, lower risk of infection, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery. However, it is important for surgeons to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual case to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Timeline

Before minimally invasive surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgical intervention
  • Patient and surgeon discuss treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Patient is informed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and recovery process

After minimally invasive surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive surgical procedure
  • Patient experiences less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery
  • Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital sooner than with traditional surgery
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative care and rehabilitation

Overall, the patient experiences a quicker recovery and improved outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about minimally invasive surgery include:

  1. Can my condition be treated with minimally invasive surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional open surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with minimally invasive surgery?
  4. How experienced are you in performing minimally invasive procedures?
  5. How long is the recovery time for minimally invasive surgery compared to open surgery?
  6. Will I have smaller scars with minimally invasive surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of minimally invasive surgery for my specific condition?
  8. Are there any specific preoperative preparations or restrictions for minimally invasive surgery?
  9. How long will the surgery take and how long will I need to stay in the hospital?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to minimally invasive surgery that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Ceresoli M, Pisano M, Abu-Zidan F, Allievi N, Gurusamy K, Biffl WL, Tebala GD, Catena F, Ansaloni L, Sartelli M, Kluger Y, Baiocchi G; WSES MIS working group; WSES MIS consortia; Coccolini F. Journal: World J Emerg Surg. 2022 Mar 18;17(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s13017-022-00419-x. PMID: 35300708