Laparoscopic surgery is the minimally invasive alternative to conventional open surgery. In this type of surgery, a small camera called a laparoscope is used to see inside the abdomen. In this way, the laparoscope transmits the image of the internal organs to a television monitor through which the urologist can be guided to perform different surgical procedures.
How are laparoscopic procedures performed?
To perform them, the abdominal cavity must be filled with a gas (C02), which is done by puncturing the abdomen or by introducing a small device. Once the abdominal cavity is filled with gas, a small caliber instrument is introduced passing through the camera (laparoscope) and clearly visualizing the internal organs.
Then, 2-3 incisions of 0.5 to 1 cm are made in the skin through which we pass hollow devices through which we introduce a series of long forceps that allow dissection and excision of the tissues.
What pathologies can be treated?
Currently most urological pathologies can be treated laparoscopically. Initially the procedures were mainly nephrectomies, but with the development of the materials used and the experience accumulated today it can be said that laparoscopy is the surgical standard.
The procedures that can be performed are:
- Adrenalectomy.
- Radical nephrectomy.
- Radical nephroureterectomy.
- Simple nephrectomy.
- Partial nephrectomy.
- Living donor nephrectomy for transplantation.
- Cryosurgery of the kidney.
- Resection of kidney cysts.
- Nephropexy.
- Pyeloplasty.
- Horseshoe kidney surgery.
- Ureteral surgery.
- Surgery of ureter lithiasis.
- Re-implantation of the ureter
- Surgery for female incontinence.
- Pelvic lymphadenectomy.
- Undescended testicles.
- Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for testicular cancer.
- Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
- Radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer.
What are the benefits of laparoscopy?
The efficacy and therapeutic benefit are the same as with open surgery. The benefits of this surgery are based on the fact that it is a minimally invasive surgery. This has clear advantages:
- Less postoperative pain.
- Less risk of bleeding.
- Fewer days of hospital stay.
- Faster recovery and better aesthetic results.
- A faster return to normal activity.
What are the risks of laparoscopic surgery?
As in all surgical procedures, there are risks of complications. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery can turn into a conventional open surgical procedure. This may be due to a complication during the operation or that the operation itself does not go as the surgeon expected.
Are all patients candidates for laparoscopic surgery?
It should be mentioned that not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic surgery. Each person presents unique circumstances that have to be considered individually.
Some characteristics that may hinder or contraindicate laparoscopic surgery are: severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe cardiac pathologies, previous surgeries, morbid obesity, coagulation disorders, among others.
For more information, consult a specialist in Urology.