Laparoscopic surgery of liver and pancreas

Written in association with: Mr Ravi Marudanayagam
Published: | Updated: 04/12/2024
Edited by: Jessica Wise

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
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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.

By Mr Ravi Marudanayagam
Surgery

Mr Ravi Marudanayagam is an extremely well-regarded consultant hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon with extensive training and experience in the field. He currently practises at The Harborne Hospital and specialises in liver cancer surgerypancreatitispancreas cancer surgerybile duct cancergallstones, and gallbladder removal surgery

Mr Marudanayagam, who successfully graduated from JIPMER, a prestigious medical college in India, in 1995, notably completed his general surgical training at said institute before moving to the UK in order to undertake further training. Once established in the UK, Mr Marudanayagam underwent general surgical training and specialised in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery in the West Midlands deanery.

Mr Marudanayagam would then further develop his skills through fellowships in ‘Advanced laparoscopic HPB surgery’ at Kings College Hospital, London and Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea, and ‘Multi-organ retrieval and liver transplantation’ at Royal Free Hospital, London. He is actively involved in research and also currently serves as a principal/co-investigator in several European and international trials. He has, to date, contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles. 

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