Laparoscopy for liver and pancreatic surgery

The part of the body where the liver and pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder are located is referred to as hepato-pancreato-biliary (HBP). 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 an ideal way to examine and address issues there, as it is a minimally invasive procedure. In this article, a leading hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon discuses the uses of laparoscopy for treating issues in the pancreas or liver.

What is laparoscopy?

Small cuts are made along the stomach 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.

How is laparoscopy be used for treating the liver and pancreas?

Laparoscopic surgery can be used for:

• Removal of tumours on the pancreas and liver
• Hepatectomy (removal of part or all of the liver, also called a liver resection)
• Pancreatic and liver cysts
• Pancreatectomy (removal of part or all of the pancreas)
• Liver failure
• Pancreatitis

Laparoscopic surgeries on the pancreas and liver may be necessary as treatment for liver or pancreatic cancers, gallstones, and scarring.

Because the pancreas and liver can be donated to another patient in need, it is imperative that they are not damaged during their removal procedures, and HPB surgeries are traditionally considered very complex; thus, surgeons have to train specially for many years to not damage the blood vessels, organs, and muscles.

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. The patient will need to stay in the hospital for as little a 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 six weeks, and is much shorter than that of traditional open surgery, which is 12 weeks. Patients may feel some discomfort and disruption to their regular bowl habits after the surgery initially, but this will improve as the body adjusts and heals.

 If you are considering a laparoscopic procedure for your liver or pancreas, you can consult a specialist today via Top Doctors.