What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as “closed surgery” among the public, is a minimally invasive modern surgical method in which almost all surgeries performed with open surgery in the abdominal cavity can be performed with special trocars and instruments without making a large incision in the abdomen. In this method, a few small incisions (0.5-1 cm) are made in the abdominal wall and thin ports are placed through these incisions. While the entire abdomen is viewed with the video endoscope, or laparoscope, that provides the image on the screen, surgical instruments are placed through other trocars to perform the closed surgery. Thanks to the camera at the end of the laparoscope, the surgeon can see the organs in the abdomen enlarged on a screen and thus perform more delicate procedures.
Why is Laparoscopic Surgery Preferred
Smaller incisions: Since much smaller incisions are made compared to traditional open surgery, the recovery process is shorter and less painful.
Less pain
Less bleeding: The risk of bleeding is lower thanks to small incisions.
Less risk of infection: A smaller incision area reduces the risk of infection.
Shorter hospital stay: Patients can be discharged from the hospital sooner thanks to faster recovery.
Better cosmetic results: Small scars remain instead of large surgical scars.
How is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?
Anesthesia: It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Small incisions in the abdominal wall: Several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall and the abdomen is inflated by injecting carbon dioxide gas. This expands the surgeon’s working area.
Laparoscope placement: The laparoscope is inserted through the first incision and the inside of the abdomen is viewed through the camera.
Surgical procedures: Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions and the necessary procedures are performed.
Closure: After the procedure is completed, the carbon dioxide gas is released and the incisions are closed.
Is Laparoscopy Surgery Difficult?
Laparoscopy surgery is a technically complex and highly sensitive surgical method. However, when evaluated from the patient’s perspective, it creates less difficulty compared to traditional open surgery. Surgery is performed with small incisions, minimal tissue damage, less pain and less blood loss. Therefore, the recovery process after the operation is usually more comfortable.
Laparoscopy requires advanced skill and experience from the surgeon’s perspective. Performing procedures based on camera images, the loss of three-dimensional perspective and the fact that surgical instruments do not have the mobility of the hands and fingers are disadvantages of this surgery. Therefore, it is of great importance for the surgeon performing the laparoscopic cancer surgery to have advanced experience in this field. Laparoscopic Surgery of Liver, Pancreas and Bile Duct Tumors and Stomach Cancers is Prof. Dr. Kemal DOLAY’s area of expertise.
The difficulty of the surgery may vary depending on the status of the program and the type of procedure to be performed. However, risks can be minimized with a surgeon who has the appropriate planning and equipment.
What are the Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery, despite its many advantages, may also have some disadvantages, especially in complex cases such as cancer surgery. These disadvantages may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s general condition, the size and location of the tumor.
Technical Difficulties:
Limited Field of View: The camera used in laparoscopic surgery offers a more limited field of view compared to open surgery. This can make the surgeon’s job difficult, especially in deep or complex anatomical areas.
Limited Mobility of Instruments: The mobility of laparoscopic instruments is more limited than open surgery instruments. This can make it difficult to perform some maneuvers.
Requires Expertise:
High Skill: Laparoscopic surgery requires a high level of surgical skill and experience. Therefore, not every surgeon can perform such surgeries.
Long Training Process: Learning laparoscopic surgical techniques requires a long and comprehensive training process.
Conversion to Open Surgery: In some cases, it may not be possible to continue laparoscopic surgery due to unexpected situations encountered during surgery or the tumor being larger than expected. In this case, conversion to open surgery may be necessary.
Higher Cost:
Equipment Cost: Special equipment used for laparoscopic surgery is more expensive than open surgery.
Long Surgery Time: Laparoscopic surgery may take longer than open surgery, which may increase the cost of the surgery.
Limitations in Some Types of Cancer:
Very Advanced Cancers: Laparoscopic surgery may not always be possible in very large or widespread cancers.
Limitations in Certain Organs: Cancers in some organs may not be suitable for laparoscopic surgery due to their anatomical structure.
Compromise on oncological principles: In complex and large cancers, oncological principles should not be compromised due to the limitation of laparoscopy and the surgery should not be attempted to be completed closed. In such cases, it would be in the patient’s favor to prefer open surgery for a radical surgery.
Patient-Specific Risks:
Bleeding Risk: Although low, the risk of bleeding is always present.
Infection Risk: As with any surgical procedure, there is also a risk of infection.
Risk of Organ Damage: There may also be a risk of unintended damage to neighboring organs during laparoscopic surgery.
In summary, although laparoscopic cancer surgery offers many advantages, it may not be suitable for every patient. The choice of surgical method depends on many factors, such as the patient’s general condition, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient’s age. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor in detail to determine the most appropriate treatment method.
Who Performs Laparoscopy Surgery?
In diseases related to General Surgery, laparoscopic surgeries are performed by competent general surgeons. The surgeon’s knowledge of laparoscopic surgery techniques, mastery of the instruments, technological equipment and skills, and ability to work in 2 dimensions increase surgical success.
Prof. Dr. Kemal DOLAY successfully performs hepatopancreatobiliary cancers and other diseases and stomach surgeries in the field of laparoscopic surgery. Choosing an educated and experienced surgeon reduces the risks of surgery and accelerates the healing process. In addition, a detailed evaluation and planning are made before the surgery and the appropriate surgical method is determined.
As a result, laparoscopic surgeries being performed by expert hands is of critical importance both in terms of the safety of the operation and a rapid recovery.
How Many Hours Does Laparoscopic Surgery Take?
The duration of laparoscopic surgeries varies depending on the type of surgical procedure performed, varying general health performance, and the scope of the surgery. However, laparoscopic surgeries are generally completed in a shorter time compared to traditional open surgery.
Laparoscopic Surgery and Prof. Dr. Kemal DOLAY’s Area of Expertise
Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical technique that combines a minimally invasive procedure with a modern medical practice today. This method, which is performed with a camera and surgical instruments through small incisions opened in the abdominal wall, offers many advantages for both doctors and surgeons.
Surgeons in this field successfully complete laparoscopic surgery, allowing patients to recover faster and increase the preservation of life. Prof. Dr. Kemal DOLAY is known as one of Turkey’s leading names in the field of laparoscopic surgery.
Prof. Dr. Kemal DOLAY’s Area of Expertise
Laparoscopic Liver surgeries
- Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy
- Laparoscopic segmentectomy
- Laparoscopic metastasectomy
- Laparoscopic Hydatid Cyst surgeries
Laparoscopic Pancreas surgeries
- Laparoscopic Distal pancreatectomy
- Laparoscopic Total pancreatectomy
- Laparoscopic Whipple surgery
- Laparoscopic Pancreatic Pseudocyst or Walled Necrosis (WON) surgeries
Laparoscopic Gallbladder and Bile Duct surgeries
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Laparoscopic choledochal cyst, choledochal resection
- Laparoscopic Bile Duct Tumor surgery
- Laparoscopic Bile Duct Stone (choledocholithiasis) surgery
Laparoscopic Stomach Cancer surgeries
- Laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic radical subtotal distal gastrectomy