Laparoscopic Solid Organ Surgeries
Our abdomen contains both solid and hollow organs. The solid organs are the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and uterus.
GI surgeons treat liver, spleen, adrenals and pancreas when surgery is needed. Kidneys are treated by Urologists. Overies and Uterus are treated by Gynecologists.
Conventionally all Solid Organ Surgeries needed cutting open the abdomen with a 6-9 inch incision to remove, repair or transpalnt the diseased solid organ.
Now a days in Centres of Excellence for Laparoscopic Surgeries as ours, solid organ surgeries are routinely done with laparoscopic approach which is also known as keyhole/ minimally invasive/ minimal access approach.
In this approach, a laparoscope (a tiny telescope) connected to a special camera is inserted through a trocar (a small hollow tube) allowing the surgeon to view the diseased solid organ and the surrounding area on a video screen. Other trocars are inserted which allow the surgeon to work in the abdomen.
The following table shows comparison of a few key outcome parameters between Open Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery:
| Parameter | Open Surgery | Laparoscopic Surgery |
| Post Operative Pain | Significant | Minimal |
| Hospital Stay | 5-6 Days | 1-2 Days |
| Symptom relief | Good | Good |
| Scar on body after surgery | Large | Almost invisible |
Current global trends (studied and published by Melman M et al) note that Laparoscopic solid organ procedures are becoming increasingly preferred by both surgeons and patients owing to decreased pain, reduced perioperative morbidity, and an earlier return to self-reliance.
However its important to go to a experienced surgeon so that the experience of such centers will help you have a hassle free experience.