What are Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeries?
Advanced laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive procedures performed using small incisions (5 mm-12mm only) and specialized instruments, including a laparoscope/ robotic camera (a thin tube with a camera). These surgeries offer several benefits over traditional open surgeries, including reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and smaller scars.
Treatment Process
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests, biopsy, and blood work, to determine the best surgical approach.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeon makes small incisions and inserts the laparoscope/robotic camera and other instruments to perform the surgery. The camera provides a clear view of the surgical area on a monitor.
Post-Surgery Care
Patients typically recover quickly and may go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery.
Popular Questions
Certain gynecological cancers, for example, endometrial cancers, are mostly treated with a minimally invasive approach. Certain cases of ovarian cancer staging, lymph node dissection in vulvar and cervical cancers may also be managed with laparoscopic/ robotic surgery.
Benefits include less pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery, and smaller scars.
Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including infection and bleeding.
Recovery time varies but is typically shorter than with open surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week.
Not all surgeries are suitable for a minimally invasive approach. The decision depends on the specific condition, disease burden, and the patient's overall health.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and patients may experience some discomfort and bloating after the surgery.
Limitations include the surgeon's experience and the complexity of the condition being treated.
Preparation includes fasting before the surgery and following the surgeon's instructions regarding medications and other pre-surgery requirements.
Common Myths
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1. Myth : Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is less effective than traditional surgery.
Fact: Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is just as effective, if not more so, than traditional open surgery for many conditions. The smaller incisions result in less blood loss, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays, allowing patients to return to their normal activities much sooner.
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2. Myth : Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is riskier than open surgery.
Fact: Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery carries risks, as with any surgical procedure, but it is not inherently riskier than open surgery. In fact, the minimally invasive approach can lead to fewer complications such as infections and blood clots.
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3. Myth : Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is not suitable for cancer treatment.
Fact: Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is widely used in the treatment of gynecological cancers. It allows for precise removal of tumors with less trauma to the body, which can be particularly beneficial for cancer patients.
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4. Myth : Laparoscopic/ robotic surgery is more expensive than traditional surgery.
Fact: Although the initial cost of laparoscopic/ robotic surgery may be higher due to specialized equipment, the overall cost can be lower. This is because of shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and fewer complications.
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5. Myth : Robotic surgery is entirely performed by a robot.
Fact: Robotic surgery is performed by a surgeon who is trained in robotic surgery. The surgeon sits in the surgeon’s console and operates on the desired organ. Robotic arms (3-4 in number) are inserted into the patient's body with the help of small holes (8 mm) in the abdomen. The movement and function of these arms are completely under the control of the surgeon sitting at the surgeon's console.
Dr. Neha Agarwal's Expertise in Kolkata
Dr. Neha Agarwal is highly skilled in advanced laparoscopic surgeries. Her expertise allows her to perform complex procedures with precision and minimal invasiveness. Patients in Kolkata benefit from her extensive experience and commitment to providing the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort.
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