Laparoscopy vs Laparotomy

Laparoscopy vs Laparotomy

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are common surgical procedures, but it is often easy for the layperson to confuse the two concepts. To understand these terms a little better, knowing the etymology of the words is always helpful. The prefix “laparo” means “wall of the abdomen” in Ancient Greek. Both these procedures require the surgeon to gain access to the abdomen. Keep reading to know more about laparoscopy vs. laparotomy.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is also called a “keyhole surgery” or a “minimally invasive surgery” because it requires the surgeon to make only a tiny incision to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis. Large incisions are avoided over here because the surgeon uses a laparoscope device. This a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens so that the doctor can have a full view of the inside of the abdomen. Through this procedure, they can examine the small intestine, pancreas, appendix, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and reproductive organs.

For instance, if the doctor needs to make a diagnosis, a laparoscopy comes in handy when other tests, like ultrasound, cannot pinpoint the ailment. Sometimes the instrument also has a tool attached to scrape out tissue samples, like in the case of a biopsy. This procedure is also used for surgeries like ectopic pregnancy removal, removal of cysts, polyps, and fibroids, gastric bypass surgery, appendix removal, and more.

General anesthesia is administered to the patient, so they are unconscious and do not experience any pain. As this is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery process is rapid. Usually, the patient does not have to stay in the hospital overnight unless the doctor feels otherwise.

Before the development of laparoscopy, doctors usually had to make large incisions and cut through tissue layers to conduct surgery. This increased some risks for the patient during and post-surgery and left them in pain. However, with laparoscopy, the pain experienced by the patient reduces significantly. Still, it might not always be the appropriate solution to fix an issue.

Similar minimally invasive techniques are also employed on other body parts, but their nomenclature differs. For example, a thoracoscope is used to examine the lungs, while an arthroscope is used to investigate joint problems.

Laparotomy

This refers to the procedure where one large incision is made along the abdomen for the surgeon to thoroughly examine the abdominal cavity and the pelvis for any abnormalities. It’s also known as abdominal exploration or celiotomy. The doctor may use these terms interchangeably. This presence of a large incision, as opposed to a small one, is the primary difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy.

This procedure is used to diagnose and treat conditions like abdominal pains or trauma, any internal bleeding, or cancer or to assess the presence of it, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal wall), and to treat endometriosis (a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain). In women, a laparotomy is performed for a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or for removing the fallopian tube, ovary, or fibroids without removing the uterus.

Here too, the patient is put under general anesthesia so they can avoid feeling any pain. Infection of the wound and scarring are the after-effects of the surgery. The patient will have a raised, painful scar on their abdominal area, which can take up to 6-8 weeks to heal. For some patients, the scar fades over time, but the scarring is permanent for.

Experience a safe laparoscopy and laparotomy with Meril

MONIK OPTICAL TROCARS

MONIK OPTICAL TROCARS are used during a laparoscopy or other minimally invasive surgical procedures to puncture the body cavity to either extract fluid or to introduce an endoscope. The Monik Optical Trocar comes with optical entry measurements of 10mm, 12mm, and 15mm. This device allows the surgeon to have seamless laparoscopic access by enabling visualization of tissue layers during insertion. Other features include a birdwing tip bladeless design that separates tissue layers instead of cutting them, making the wound smaller and easier to close.

MIRUS POWERED ENDOSCOPIC LINEAR CUTTER and RELOADS

The MIRUS POWERED ENDOSCOPIC LINEAR CUTTER is used during abdominal, gynecologic, pediatric, and thoracic surgeries to ensure clean transection and resection as well as effective anastomosis. The Mirus Powered Endoscopic Linear Cutter and Reloads are battery-operated and offer optimal compression with consistent staple formation. The device cuts and staples with three staggered rows for superior homeostasis, which is necessary post-operation