The mere mention of surgery can send shivers down our spines, conjuring images of large incisions and extended recovery times. However, advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques have significantly improved the safety and effectiveness of surgeries. Today, keyhole surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, has become a beacon of hope for those seeking effective treatments with reduced postoperative discomfort and swifter recovery times.
Let’s find out who is the right fit for keyhole surgery from Dr Amita Jain, who is one of India’s leading laparoscopic and general surgeons.
What is Keyhole Surgery?
Keyhole surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique that helps surgeons to make small incisions on the skin to perform procedures on the body of the patient.
While initially introduced in the early 1900s, keyhole surgery gained substantial popularity in the late 20th century. Owing to advancements in technology and surgical instruments, it has now become a routine procedure across various medical fields, including gastrointestinal surgery, gynaecology, urology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
Why is it necessary?
It is used for the diagnosis and treatment of specific medical conditions.
In urology, it helps in the detection of tumours in the urinary tract. Gynaecologists use it to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, as well as for procedures like ovarian cyst removal, tubal ligation, and hysterectomy. Gastroenterologists use this method to diagnose and address digestive system issues.
When traditional diagnostic methods like CT scans or ultrasounds yield inconclusive results, laparoscopy becomes instrumental. This surgical approach is effective for addressing conditions like female infertility, abdominal or pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, and ectopic pregnancy.
Who is not the right fit for keyhole surgery?
Advancements in laparoscopic surgery allow for increasingly complex procedures, but safety remains paramount. If a patient isn’t suitable for general anaesthesia, a prerequisite for laparoscopy due to abdominal inflation with carbon dioxide, the procedure is ruled out.
Technical challenges arise with factors like prior surgeries, scar tissue, obesity, and specific conditions. Successful laparoscopic outcomes hinge on a surgeon’s expertise, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before opting for this minimally invasive approach.
Who is the Right Fit for keyhole surgery?
Not everyone qualifies for keyhole surgery, as eligibility depends on factors like disease type and stage, overall health, and surgical history. Keyhole surgery is preferable for conditions such as gallstones, hernia, and early-stage cancer, but it may not be suitable for advanced diseases or patients with significant adhesions.
The eligibility criteria for laparoscopic surgery encompass a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic examinations. The surgeon will scrutinize the patient’s prior surgical interventions, as previous procedures may result in adhesions that could complicate laparoscopic surgery.
Factors such as age and body weight are crucial considerations. Although laparoscopic surgery is generally deemed safe across age groups, advanced age may elevate the risk of complications. Likewise, while laparoscopic procedures are feasible for individuals with higher body weights, obesity might introduce additional intricacies to the surgical process.
Diagnostic examinations, including blood tests, imaging studies, and endoscopic evaluations, constitute integral components of the prerequisites for laparoscopic surgery. These assessments aid the surgeon in evaluating the extent of the disease and formulating an appropriate surgical strategy.
Benefits
It is better than open surgery as it involves smaller cuts which is why you have smaller scars, faster recovery and hospital discharge, reduced pain during quicker scar healing, quicker return to normal activities, and potentially less internal scarring.
As we embrace the transformative power of keyhole surgery, we can look forward to a future where surgical interventions are not just about healing bodies but also about providing comfort and peace of mind to those in need. While not applicable to all, it has several benefits that make it an ideal method for eligible candidates.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi