What Is Laparoscopic Surgery (Keyhole Surgery)?
It is not uncommon for women to feel anxious when visiting a Gynaecologist should they be experiencing pain and discomfort occasioned with female conditions. Many of these conditions may require major surgery as the best course of treatment, and this can cause many emotions to surface.
At Lotus Medics, we offer our patients in Orange, Parkes and Bathurst, Laparoscopic surgery, a safer and less invasive method to diagnose and treat several female conditions.
Laparoscopic surgery allows a surgeon to examine the organs within the abdomen or woman’s reproductive system, in a safer, less invasive way. This means that Laparoscopic Surgery is considered a, minimally invasive procedure that allows women to recover quickly and return to normal activities much sooner.
It involves using a thin, telescopic rod with a camera on one end, allowing a comprehensive view of the body without creating a large incision.
Instead, small incisions are made in the abdominal area for the camera (a Laparoscope) and surgical instruments to be inserted. These small incisions are known as keyholes, hence the name keyhole surgery.
It is used to diagnose the source of pain or complication within the abdomen and uterus where noninvasive methods such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerised tomography) or ultrasound are unsuccessful.
What gynaecological surgeries can be performed laparoscopically?
Most common surgeries can be done laparoscopically unless complicated conditions require open surgery for better management. Laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred method for general surgery due to its improved patient outcomes.
This surgery is commonly used on women to treat or diagnose the following conditions:
- Ovarian cyst removal
- Fibroid removal
- Endometriosis surgery
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Prolapse
- Causes of infertility
- Certain forms of cancers
It can also be used to remove ectopic pregnancies, which is a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus, as well as to perform a tubal ligation, a procedure that prevents pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?
Due to innovations in technology and medicine, surgery has become more advanced, resulting in many benefits for both surgeons and patients. Laparoscopic surgery being one of these more advanced modern types of surgery that is less invasive compared to traditional open surgery.
Several benefits include:
- Minor cuts, which only develop into small scars
- Quicker recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays
- Less pain due to smaller cuts
- Faster return to normal activities
- Less internal scarring
How are laparoscopic surgical procedures performed?
Before Surgery: A patient will need to refrain from eating or drinking 6 to 12 hours before the procedure(please check with your doctor regarding fasting instructions for individual circumstances). In addition, any anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) will have to be stopped a few days before, to prevent excessive bleeding during the surgery. A patient who smokes should also stop a few days before the surgery.
You may also need to prepare your bowel and have bowel prep medication before a Pelvic laparoscopy as it empties the bowel and makes the surgery quicker, safer and more efficient.
Further instructions on bowel prep can be found on the LotusMedics website-Bowelprep(lotusmedics.com.au)
A detailed video about Preoperative instructions can be found on the LotusMedics website-Perioperative Support – Lotus Medics
During Surgery: Minor incisions are made, usually around the belly button area, and a tube is inserted through the incisions. Next, carbon dioxide is pumped through the tube into the abdomen to inflate the belly area. This gives the surgeon more room to work with and see the organs.
Next, the laparoscope is inserted, relaying images onto a monitor in the operating room for the surgeon to observe what is occurring internally.
The duration of laparoscopic procedures depends on the nature of the procedure and the pathology involved. They can take as little as 30 minutes or a few hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Once the procedure is complete, the carbon dioxide is released from the abdomen, and the incisions are closed with stitches. These stitches are usually self-absorbable and do not need to be removed
Post Surgery: You will wake up in recovery under the care of a recovery nurse who will make sure you are kept warm and comfortable. Analgesia and antiemetics are given to make you comfortable.
You will be monitored for a few hours until they are fully awake and can eat, drink and pass urine. Thereafter patients are able to go home. Dr Kotasthane usually makes sure that all his patients are debriefed and all questions answered prior to discharge. Please make sure you have someone to drive you home as you will not be able to drive yourself.
Dr Kotasthane will check up on you a few days after your surgery to make sure that your recovery is going as planned. Please look out for red flag symptoms during your recovery- here is a video prepared by Dr Kotasthane on some of the red flag symptoms after surgery-Perioperative Support – Lotus Medics
What are the risks of a Laparoscopy?
As with any surgical procedure, even if minimally invasive, comes with risks that anyone should be aware of. These risks include:
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Abdominal inflammation
- Internal damage
- Hernia
- Adverse reaction to the anaesthetic
Working with trained professionals who are experts in Laparoscopic surgery, can help mitigate these risks due to their extensive experience.
How safe is a laparoscopic surgical procedure?
A laparoscopic surgical procedure is considered very safe, and when performed on women, only approximately 3 out of every 1000 experienced complications.
If you have any concerns about the safety of this procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us at Lotus Medics, and we can talk you through the process and advise if this is a safe option for you.
How Much Does LaparoscopicSurgery Cost at Lotus Medics Clinic?
The cost of laparoscopic surgery at our Orange, Parkes and Bathurst practices will largely depend on the type and complexity of the procedure
We will conduct a thorough examination at your initial consultation and establish the best way forward, and a detailed no-obligation quote will be provided for you to consider.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our pricing. You can also visit our costs page on our website for more information.
How can Lotus Medics help you with your laparoscopic surgery?
Lotus Medics have established an advanced laparoscopic service, including; performing complex level 4 endometriosis surgeries, laparoscopic hysterectomies, and myomectomies (removal of fibroids laparoscopically).
We have extensive experience with this procedure and are committed to always putting the safety of our patients first. Should this surgery be the best option for you, you can rest assured that we will guide and support you through every step.
Meet Dr Sachin
Dr Sachin Kotasthane is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who trained in the UK across various specialised skills, including advanced Laparoscopy, Urogynaecology, Pelvic Ultrasound, High-risk Obstetrics and Menopause Management.
He worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Glasgow, then moved to Orange NSW, where he offers the region’s first complete laparoscopic hysterectomy service.
Our locations
Orange
Bloomfield Medical Campus, Level 2/1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800
Bathurst Specialist Centre
Bathurst Specialist Centre, Building 1470, Panorama Ave, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795
Parkes
Ochre Health Medical Centre 335 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870
FAQ
Can laparoscopic surgery be used on other parts of the body outside the abdomen and pelvis?
Yes, laparoscopic surgery can be used in other areas deep within the body or hard-to-reach sections. For example, it can be used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, hips, elbows and wrists.
Is laparoscopic surgery considered major surgery?
Yes, it is major surgery. Although it is minimally invasive with minor cuts, it is still considered major surgery that has potential risks that can lead to complications.
Is laparoscopic surgery expensive?
Depending on the type of procedure, costs can vary for different procedures.
These costs are often offset by shorter hospital stays and early return to work.
There is no “one size fits all” and we adopt a customised approach to treatment based on your individual situation.
What is the recovery time from laparoscopic surgery?
Due to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, in most cases, a patient can return to normal day-to-day activities such as driving within a few days. However, it will depend on the severity of the patient’s condition and what was done during the procedure.
How long is the hospital stay after laparoscopic surgery?
Generally, this is a day surgery, and patients can leave the hospital on the same day as having the procedure. However, when the surgery is more complicated, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required.
Who is laparoscopic surgeon?
A laparoscopic surgeon from LotusMedics is a doctor who specializes in performing laparoscopic surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope to view and operate within the body.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery, performed by LotusMedics, is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed using small incisions and a laparoscope to view and operate within the body. It is a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.
What is laparoscopic?
The term “laparoscopic” refers to a type of surgery performed using a laparoscope, a tool that allows the surgeon to view and operate within the body using long, thin instruments.
Book an appointment in Bathurst, NSW 2795
Contact our family-focused practice via telephone at 1300 3LOTUS (1300 356887) or email us at info@lotusmedics.com.au
to set up your appointment. You can also leave your contact details via our online form.
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