LAPAROSCOPY KUCHING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY 古晋 腹腔镜手术 / 微创手术

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Why laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy (Keyhole surgery) also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a preferred choice for many medical procedures due to its benefits.

This technique involves small incisions, thin tube with camera attached, small surgical tools and a small tube to pump gas into the tummy. It can be use to diagnose and treat various conditions. The advantages of this technique compared to traditional open surgery are:

• reduced pain

• smaller scar

• faster recovery

• shorter hospital stay

• less risk of infection 

• less chance to have scar tissue formation inside tummy

• magnified vision to help the doctor to see the surrounding blood vessles, nerves and other organs better

Frequently asked questions

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy (Keyhole surgery) also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique where doctor makes small inicision on tummy and uses thin tubes and camera to perform surgery.

What type of surgery can be done via laparoscopy?

Common gynaecological conditions that are suitable for laparoscopy surgery are (not limited to):

• Ovarian cyst

• Endometriosis

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Fibroids

• Hysterectomy (removal of womb)

• Female fertility related condition

How is the operation performed?

Laparoscopy is done under general anaesthesia. Around 1 to 4 tiny cuts (around 0.5cm - 1cm) will be made on the tummy.

The camera and thin tubes will pass through these small incisions and gas will be pumped into the tummy. Different tiny instruments are used via these small incisions to perform the surgery.

Number of incisions and size of incisions will be determined by the complexity of the case.

What are the benefits of laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) compare to laparotomy (open surgery)?

Laparoscopy surgery shows maginified vision to help doctor to see surrounding organs, blood vessels, nerves better. The benefits include:

• Less pain

• Less fever

• Smaller scar

• Faster recovery

• Shorter hospital stay

• Lower risk of adhesion (organ/tissue stick together)

There are few disadvantages of laparoscopy when compare to laparotomy. Laparoscopy requires more specialised surgical skills and equipments. In some cases such as huge / multiple fibroids, the laparoscopy surgery operating time may be longer than laparotomy. Besides, not all conditions are suitable for laparoscopy surgery. 

What are the risk of laparoscopy?

Common risks:

• Pain

• Infection (wound, urine, chest)

• Minor bleeding

Uncommon risks:

• Damage to organs such as bladder or bowel

• Major bleeding that required blood transfusion

• Return to theatre

• Pelvic abscess/infection

• Blood clot in leg/lung

• Convert to laparotomy (open surgery)

Others:

• depending on type of surgery

Consultation

Discuss benefits & risks of this procedure

Period

Inform your doctor if you are expecting your menses

Use contraception. Avoid pregnancy before procedure

Pregnancy

Smoking

Stop smoking. Ideally 1 month before procedure

Alcohol

Companion

Food & Drinks

Avoid alcohol before the procedure

Fasting 6 hours before procedure

Arrange for someone to drive you home

Getting Ready

Food & Drinks

No food/drinks 6 hours before surgery

Medication

Ask your doctor whether to continue your own medication

Antibiotics will be given before procedure

Pre-medication

How long?

Depends on the specific procedures, may go up to hours

Hospitalization

Skin incision

What happen next?

You will need to stay overnight for womb / ovarian surgery

Small tube with camera, tube to pump gas into tummy, small surgical tools will be used

3 to 4 small cut will be made on your tummy, 5-10mm each

Operating Day

Food & Drinks

Eat & drink as usual after return to home.

Go home

Usually you can go home 1 to 2 days after surgery

Arrange for someone to drive you home

Companion

Driving

Avoid driving / handling machinery equipment within 24 hours

Seek for help

Bleeding

Rest

If you feel unwell or other symptoms as stated below

Rest well and avoid heavy lifting for at least 1 month

Spotting / slight bleeding after surgery may be normal

Recovery

When to seek for help?

Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms after your procedure:

• fever

• tummy distension

• severe or persistent tummy pain

• nausea & vomiting >1 day

• unable to pass urine

• abnormal per vaginal discharge or excessive bleed

• pain & swelling in one of your leg

• redness, pain, swelling, bleeding or discharge around your wounds