Laparoscopic surgery of liver and pancreas
Written in association with:The part of the body where the liver and pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder are located is referred to as hepato-pancreato-biliary (HBP) area. In this area, the anatomy is quite intricate, with the organs delicately intertwined behind the bottom of the ribcage – thus, a laparoscopic surgical procedure is a good way to examine and address issues there, as it is a minimally invasive procedure. In this article, leading hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon Mr Ravi Marudanayagam discusses the uses of laparoscopy for treating issues in the pancreas or liver.
What is laparoscopy?
Small cuts are made in the abdomen of the patient to allow access for fine instruments and the thin, long laparoscopic camera, which projects a high-definition, real-time image onto a nearby screen for the surgeons to reference throughout the procedure. Laparoscopy enables surgeons to make precise movements in restricted spaces.
This method causes less damage to the patient overall thanks to smaller incision points and less blood loss, hastening the healing process and minimising pain. Potential advantages of a laparoscopic surgery include:
- Smaller wounds
- Less wound related complications like infection and hernia
- Reduced length of stay in the hospital
- Quicker functional recovery after surgery
- Less pain and hence, less requirement for pain killer medications
- Earlier start of chemotherapy in patients with cancer, due to earlier recovery from surgery
How is laparoscopy be used for treating the liver and pancreas?
Laparoscopic surgery can be used for:
- Removal of primary or secondary tumours on the liver in selected patient based on the location of the tumour
- Removal of pancreatic tumours or cysts based on the location
- Treatment of liver cysts
- Gallbladder removal for gallstones
What is the recovery process for laparoscopy of the liver or pancreas?
The recovery process will depend on what the procedure was for and how much was removed. In general, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for as little as two days, to as many as one week, after which they will be allowed to continue their convalescence at home. Functional recovery, as in a return to normal activities, of laparoscopic surgery is around four-six weeks, and is much shorter than that of traditional open surgery, which is 12 weeks.
If you are considering a laparoscopic procedure for your liver or pancreas, you can consult with Mr Marudanayagam today via his Top Doctors profile.