Overview
Laparoscopic cancer surgery is a type of surgery that uses small cuts instead of a big open cut to take out cancerous tumours. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light, is used to provide a larger view of internal organs on a monitor. Specialised surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions to remove tumours and the surrounding tissues. People often use this method to treat cancers of the colon, stomach, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs. The main goal is to get rid of the tumour completely while causing as little damage, blood loss, and recovery time as possible compared to traditional open surgery.
Why It’s Done
Laparoscopic cancer surgery is done to get rid of localised tumours while keeping healthy tissue and lowering the risk of problems after surgery. It is chosen when the cancer is in its early or middle stages and can be safely reached with techniques that are less invasive. The procedure might also involve taking out nearby lymph nodes to see how far the cancer has spread. The goal is to control cancer effectively, speed recovery, and reduce hospital stays.
What to Expect?
Before surgery, patients have imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans to determine the size of the tumour and its extent of spread. Blood tests and evaluations done before surgery check general health and whether the person is fit for anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is given during the procedure. Small cuts are made in the abdomen, and carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the area so it can be seen more clearly. The laparoscope and surgical tools are put in, and the surgeon carefully takes out the tumour and some healthy tissue around it. You might also have to take out lymph nodes that are affected. After that, the cuts are closed with staples or sutures. Patients are watched over in recovery after surgery. Pain management, moving around early, and slowly getting back to a normal diet are all good things to do. Most of the time, a hospital stay is shorter than open surgery.
Outlook & Recovery
Compared to open procedures, recovery is usually faster, with less pain and smaller scars. Most patients go back to their normal lives within a few weeks. When done correctly, laparoscopic cancer surgery is a good way to remove tumours and has good long-term results.