Timely Vs. Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Know The Benefits

Gallstones are solid particles that are formed in the gallbladder due to overproduction of cholesterol and bilirubin in the liver. In the past, gallstones were treated using open surgical procedures, which meant more extended hospitalization and recovery time for the patients. However, laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of Gallstones. With only a few minor incisions; single or multiple gallstones can now be removed within a few hours.

  Gallstones Symptoms

 Gallstones do not have any active symptoms, and initially, an individual may feel little or no discomfort. But if left untreated for long, gallstones can cause multiple complications including cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), jaundice, intense periodic pain in the abdomen, etc.  Acute abdominal pain, high fever, yellowing of the skin, and eyes are seen as early signs of gallstones and must not be ignored.

Timely Vs. Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy has become the most preferred treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is cost-effective, safe, and promises a better life for patients post-treatment. A surgeon will suggest ELC (early laparoscopic cholecystectomy) only upon confirmation that the inflammation does not obscure optimal view during surgery.

The first few days after gallstone diagnosis are usually considered as the best time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the time points for treating acute cholecystitis vary with inflammation. Even upon diagnosis, the treatment may be delayed to allow the inflammation or cholecystitis to subside. But this delay can cause a series of complications related to the liver and gallbladder. Let’s look at some of the key advantages that early LC offers over delayed LC.

1. Minimum Complications:

Early LC ensures that gallstones do not cause other major complications in the liver. In the worst of cases, gallstones become the reason for cancer of the gallbladder in patients. Early LC has helped significantly bring down mortality rates from acute cholecystitis or acute pancreatitis.

2. No GallBladder Attack:

With early LC, patients no longer need to suffer from prolonged excruciating abdominal pain. If LC is delayed, patients will have to bear with periodic intense pain, eventually leading to fever. A gallbladder attack can last for a few hours and can come anytime, anywhere.

 3. Cost-Effective:

 Early LC is cost-effective too. Gallstones can be removed within a few hours, and the patients can leave the hospital on the same day. In comparison to this, a delayed LC involves considerable visits, routine diagnosis, more extended hospitalization, and recovery time. In sharp contrast, early LC is not at all time consuming and extremely cost-effective.

When To See A Doctor?

Gallstone attack can last up to a few hours, and one must see a doctor at the first occurrence of uninvited and intense stomach/abdominal pain. Any pain in the right shoulder, upper, and central abdomen must not be ignored considering the multiple health issues associated with gallstones.  The doctor will perform some routine diagnosis, including CT scan and blood tests to confirm gallstones.

Moreover, pregnant women, people suffering from obesity, people on cholesterol-lowering medications, and people over 60 years of age are at higher risk of gallstones. These individuals must be wary of symptoms like sudden fever, increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, or confusion, and must visit the doctor for gallstone diagnosis.

The abdominal is one of the most critical regions in our body. It houses some of the most important organs that determine the overall well-being of our body. At Medipulse, we offer the most advanced Laparoscopic surgery for Gallbladders, appendices, and colons. Dr. Vivek Agarwal is the best Laparoscopic surgeon in Jodhpur. His expertise has helped hundreds of people in town.

Role of Laparoscopy in Chronic Abdominal Conditions

There have been times where you must have felt sudden and acute pain in your lower left abdomen. A vigorous activity or a heavy meal might have caused pain in the upper abdomen. What is the cause of this sudden pain? How did this pain develop? How to treat this medical condition? Let’s find out:

What is Abdominal Pain/Condition?

Abdominal pain can range from minimal to chronic, and from sudden to longstanding, as a result of inflammation or disease in the organs surrounding abdomen. These organs include the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.

Chronic abdomen pain are often recurrent and persistent, posing unique challenges for patients. Various causes of abdominal pain are;

1.         Indigestion

2.         Gallbladder Inflammation

3.         Inflammatory Bowel Disease

4.         Appendicitis

5.         Ulcer

6.         Pancreatitis

7.         Abdominal Hernia

8.         Gastroenteritis, etc.

However, the pain is not restricted to just these conditions; the causes can be far and many. As the nature and characteristics of pain is dependent on a number of factors, the medical diagnosis of the cause is quite tricky and challenging.

In case of minimal pain, the treatment entails medication and dietary changes however persistent and severe medical conditions call for a surgery for complete diagnosis.

Treatment: Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Since the day of inception, medical science is constantly striving to achieve innovation, simplification and effectiveness in its procedures. As a result, various advancements have been made in the management of chronic abdominal disorders. Although techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography scan help is clinical examination of abdominal disorders yet the diagnosis of chronic abdominal disorder remains uncertain in most cases. In such a scenario, Laparoscopy has proved to be an effective treatment for patients with chronic abdominal disorders. Over the last two decades, laparoscopy has successfully offered simple, rapid and safe diagnosis of abdominal disorders. In fact it has been 100% accurate in diagnosing intra-abdominal malignancy as well.

1. Diagnostic laparoscopy provides the advantage of tissue diagnosis in less operative time and without significant complications.

2. Visualization of abdominal cavity through laparoscopy helps to conduct precise targeted biopsy, fluid analysis, etc.

3. One of the distinct advantages is that it is capable of detecting lesions of size less than 5 mm. Techniques like ultrasound and CT scan fail to scan small lesions.

4. Laparoscopy-guided biopsy offers more accurate diagnosis than radiological guided biopsy.

Laparoscopy has undoubtedly proved to be a fantastic diagnostic modality with less inherent risks, minimal invasion and fast recovery time. Rapid advancements in the field have made this procedure highly successful in diagnosis of abdominal disorders. Ranked as the best laparoscopic surgeon in Jodhpur, Dr. Vivek Agarwal and Dr. Kamal Kant head the General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department at the Medipulse Hospital, Jodhpur. Our department is equipped with world class facilities to ensure high standards of diagnosis, treatment and research in laparoscopic surgery. Book your appointment now!



Why undergo Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernia?

A hernia is a condition in which parts of an organ, often in the abdomen, are displaced due to the weak muscular wall that keeps organs in place. It is the disease of the abdomen, but they can appear in other parts of the body, including the groin, belly button, and upper thighs. 

 Unlike other abdominal diseases, hernia is not very common and approximately only 5% of the population

develop hernia during their lifetime. The condition can be caused due to a combination of factors, for

instance, damage from injury, failure of the abdominal wall to close properly, chronic coughing, etc.

The individual suffering from a hernia can experience symptoms like a bulge or a lump in the affected area, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and aching sensation at the site of the bulge.

Laparoscopic Treatment

Sir Astely Paston Cooper has rightly said that "No disease of the human body, belonging to the province of the surgeon, requires in its treatment, a better combination of accurate, anatomical knowledge with surgical skills than hernia in all its variety."

Since hernia tends to get bigger, it often leads to life-threatening complications. So, with the passage of time, many treatment procedures have been developed for hernia, including laparoscopy. The laparoscopic repairs have also undergone considerable evolution with time.

Some of the traditional laparoscopic techniques even received criticism due to their failure to demonstrate good result; and hence, were abandoned. However, these techniques become more advanced with the advancement in medical science and technology. Today, laparoscopy is one of the preferred and advised treatments for the condition due to the benefits it offers. 

Why Patients Should Undergo Laparoscopy

The minimally invasive technique of laparoscopic surgery can be used to repair most of the common hernias. Generally, three half-inch incisions are made in the abdomen instead of one large cut. A camera is then inserted to visualize the hernia and guide the surgeon’s movement.

●       The biggest advantage of undergoing this technique is it deals with the hernia at the point of its origin, exactly where it started appearing, making it a suitable approach.

●       Another advantage of the laparoscopic approach is the ability to view the fascial defects while avoiding the pitfalls of a tedious anterior dissection, making it less damaging to surrounding tissues.  Also, there is a lower incidence of the abscess and wound infection post-operatively.

●       In addition, laparoscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery time, meaning a patient can get back to a normal routine, including work only after a few days.

●       Besides, postoperative pain is also minimal in these surgeries. With the development of newer techniques of laparoscopy, the surgeries are also becoming cost-effective, leading to greater societal benefits.

●       Lastly, after the procedure is completed, the abdominal incisions fade away within a few months. Laparoscopy, when carried out by the hands of an adequately trained surgeon, produces excellent results as compared to open repairs and other conventional treatments.

If you or your known is diagnosed with hernia, you must seek immediate medical care to avoid serious complications. Medipulse understands this and houses extremely skilled surgeons in all the departments. You can find the best general and laparoscopic Surgeon  surgeon in Jodhpur at Medipulse. Dr Vivek Agarwal is part of the general and laparoscopic surgery; he, together with his team, has been handling the most complex cases of laparoscopy for last 20 years.

Things To Do Before And After A Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy surgery or keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure, preferably performed for curing various diseases and conditions. It is usually done in cases where traditional non-invasive diagnosis and imaging techniques (Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI scan) cannot identify any clear reasons for a certain condition. It is a low-risk procedure used for examining pelvic organs like the appendix, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, etc.

Although rare, there are some risks attached too: the most common being bleeding and infection. But doctors/surgeons refer diagnostic laparoscopy only after proper consideration of the patient's history and the risk factors involved. Equally important is the role of the patient for ensuring a safe recovery. This blog highlights some of the important things that patients can follow before and after the laparoscopic procedure for minimizing risk as well as accelerating recovery.

Before Surgery

Laparoscopy diagnosis is usually carried out within 4-5 hours, and for most patients, the length of stay is not more than 24 hours. However, in cases where a patient has a critical medical history, and the surgery is complex, the length of stay extends over to a few days. In either case, there are a few things that patients can do to prepare better and smarter.

1. Clear All Your Doubts:

It is natural for patients to be wary and fearful about surgery. Patients, however, must bear in mind that discussing one's apprehensions is an excellent way to get over any anxiety. Let's say a patient is fearful of the pain that the invasion might cause. The patient must discuss the same with the surgeon. The surgeon will explain the procedure and the pain management steps involved. In addition to this, doctors also suggest relaxation techniques that are very fruitful for the patients.

2. Pack Essentials Too:

 Depending on the length of the stay, patients must make a list of essential items that they would need. These may include like toothbrush/toothpaste, mobile charger, hairbrush, skin lotions, etc. In case of overnight stays, patients must carry loose fitting clothes that do not put strain or stress around the waist and abdominal region.

3. Bowel Preparation:

Bowel prep is an essential prerequisite of any surgical procedure. Doctors usually suggest liquid diets for bowel evacuation. However, in case there are some special instructions, patients must pay heed and follow them steadfastly.

Dr. Vivek Agarwal, Laparoscopic Surgeon at Medipulse, says, “Although, laparoscopic surgeries require minimal invasion yet patients must be careful and consult in case of any infection around the insertion site like redness, swelling, etc ”

After Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions, and patients are subjected to only general anesthesia. However, the procedure does involve CO2 gas insertion into the abdominal area through the incision. This inflates the abdomen and aids in easy diagnosis by creating space for free movement of the laparoscope. In some cases, the surgeon may create some more incisions for apt diagnosis and treatment. Following the diagnosis, patients may feel some amount of pain, nausea during the first few hours. Patients must feel free to share their concerns with the doctors. In addition to this, a few things must be followed for a faster recovery. These include:

1. Managing Shoulder Pain:

Shoulder pain is a common occurrence post laparoscopy. The pain is due to the CO2 introduced in the abdomen during the procedure. But there is no reason to panic as the pain subsides with time. In the meantime, one can use heat therapy for lessening the pain.

2. Get An Aid:

For a few weeks, it might be difficult to do routine tasks with the same ease as before. Doctors advise against driving as well as carrying a heavy load. The best solution is to hire an aide for a few weeks who can take care of important things like food, grocery, etc.

3. Don’t Overthink

The post-surgery days can be both emotionally and physically challenging. The tickling sensations in an around the incision site and the post-surgery tiredness can be bothering. It is easy to drift into a self-pity mode and grow anxious. However, patients must remember not to let these thoughts overpower them. The best way to do so is to keep oneself occupied by inviting friends over, or reading a book or watching movies.

In general, the recovery time is at the most a week. But depending upon the complexity of the case and other factors, it may be considerably longer for some. Medipulse is ranked for the best laparoscopic surgery in Jodhpur. Medipulse has two of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in Jodhpur - Dr. Kamal Kant and Dr. Vivek Agarwal as well as Dr. Mili Inania - one of the best gynec laparoscopic surgeon in Jodhpur.

The department is equipped with modern technology and equipment offering excellence in all forms of general and specialized surgical procedures. Visit the link for more details.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Over Traditional Procedures

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed for removal of the uterus. A significant advantage of laparoscopic Hysterectomy is that the procedure doesn’t involve open surgery. The surgeon performs the treatment using a small incision around the belly button. A laparoscopy or a thin tube fitted with a camera. The camera transmits the view to an external monitor, and the surgeon performs the treatment with surgical tools inserted near or through the same incision site. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is way more beneficial for women over traditional Hysterectomy. This blog highlights some of the key benefits of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy over traditional procedures:

Minimum Surgery Time:

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. A traditional abdominal hysterectomy involves larger incisions, and patients are required to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. On the other hand, laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures are performed within a few hours.

Minimum Bleeding:

 Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is comparatively less complicated. Being minimally invasive, the procedure is less painful. There is no blood loss, and patients are treated under general anesthesia only.

Recovery is Fast & Easy:

The recovery period for traditional hysterectomy procedures is anything between 4-6 weeks. The risk of infections and postoperative pain is quite high in the traditional procedure. But laparoscopic Hysterectomy offers women a welcome relief from all postoperative concerns. The smaller incision sites recover fast and recovery time for most women post laparoscopic Hysterectomy is 7-10 days. In fact, doctors urge patients to resume normal work as soon as they feel ready for it.

 Leaves No Marks:

 Laparoscopic Hysterectomy involves only a few small incision sites. Hence, the scarring is negligible when compared to other surgical techniques.

Affordable:

Last but not least, laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure is less costly than traditional or open hysterectomy procedures. These are mainly because of significantly reduced surgery time. The procedure being least complicated and invasive means that patients can leave the hospital on the same day.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy is celebrated as a significant advancement in women's health care. The procedure, besides being less costly, offers women an alternative for other gynecological procedures too. However, laparoscopy procedures must be performed under the supervision of trained and qualified surgeons only. At Medipulse, the department of gynaec-laparoscopy is headed by one of the best gynaec-laparoscopic surgeons in Jodhpur, Dr. Mili Inania. The department is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities and equipment. Please visit the department section for more details on key IPD and OPD procedures.