Myths, facts, doubts related to laparoscopy

The term laparoscopy is derived from the word laparoscope, an instrument quite similar to a telescope, which is used for surgical procedures. While laparoscopy is relatively standard now, there are various myths and doubts attached to the terms. Often, there have been instances when patients avoid this minimally invasive procedure based on unclear facts and truths about laparoscopy. Some of the common doubts and myths and mentioned below –

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are two different types of surgical procedures that are often confused as one. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, whereas laparotomy is a procedure that involves more significant cuts in the abdomen to carry out the operation. Also, laparoscopy has a faster recovery rate and a lower infection rate compared to the other.

There is a myth that patients who have earlier abdominal surgeries cannot perform laparoscopic surgery. This is not true, and patients can get operated on via this procedure. Even for smaller incisions than traditional, special techniques like using a micro laparoscope for safe entry into the abdomen are carried out.

It is said that patients who have prior issues of severe endometriosis cannot be effectively treated through laparoscopy. This is also a wrongly validated statement. Endometriosis is a painful disorder where similar tissues that grow or line the inside of the uterus start growing on the outer wall of the same organ. Endometriosis can be in many forms and is much effectively treated through laparoscopy. However, certain conditions require further precision and flexibility of cutting tools to carry out the procedure. It is a myth that a laparoscope provides poor visibility in the abdomen and pelvis region. Earlier during the discovery of this new procedure, there were difficulties in the visibility of the abdomen region as surgeons had to use a small eyepiece on the instrument to get z view. However, with the image of video laparoscopy, where images are transmitted into a video monitor outside, visibility is even better than open surgeries.

Many patients are under this perception that laparoscopy is a more time-taking procedure and thus leads to becoming a riskier one due to increased anesthesia exposure. It must be kept in mind that experienced surgeons take almost a very similar time to open surgery. The benefits of laparoscopy include a faster recovery rate, reduced risk of postoperative hospitalization, lesser scars, and a few more.

So think before you proceed.