Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery in Delhi, India

Laparoscopic urologic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various urologic conditions. This surgery involves using a laparoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera and light source attached, to perform the surgery through small incisions in the abdomen.

Conditions Treated by Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery

Laparoscopic urologic surgery is used to treat various urologic conditions, offering minimally invasive techniques that provide numerous benefits to patients. Some conditions that benefit from laparoscopic urologic surgery include:

1. Kidney Cancer: Laparoscopic nephrectomy allows for the removal of kidney tumours while preserving healthy kidney tissue.
2. Kidney Stones: Laparoscopic techniques, such as laparoscopic pyelolithotomy or laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, can be employed to remove large or complex kidney stones.
3. Prostate Cancer: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive approach for the removal of the prostate gland in cases of localised prostate cancer.
4. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Laparoscopic procedures, such as laparoscopic simple prostatectomy, can be performed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
5. Bladder Cancer: Laparoscopic techniques, including laparoscopic cystectomy or laparoscopic partial cystectomy, allow for the removal of bladder tumours while preserving bladder function.
6. Urinary Diversion: In cases where the bladder needs to be removed, laparoscopic procedures can be employed to create urinary diversions, such as ileal conduit or neobladder formation.
7. Adrenal Conditions & Adrenal Tumours: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgery performed to remove adrenal tumours, whether benign or cancerous.
8. Ureteral Conditions & Ureteral Obstruction: Laparoscopic procedures, such as laparoscopic pyeloplasty, can be used to correct ureteral blockages and restore normal urine flow.

When Is Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery Used?

Laparoscopic urologic surgery is used to treat various urologic conditions, including kidney cancer, adrenal tumours, bladder cancer, ureteral obstruction, and prostate cancer.

When Should You See a Doctor for Surgery?

Symptoms such as haematuria (blood in the urine), difficulty urinating, or pain in the back or lower abdomen are signs that the patient should see a urologist. They can evaluate the symptoms and determine if laparoscopic urologic surgery is necessary.

Diagnosis

Before undergoing laparoscopic urologic surgery, several diagnostic tools and tests are used to assess the patient's condition and plan the surgical approach. Some commonly employed diagnostic methods are:

• CT Scan: Computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary tract and surrounding structures. They help visualise tumours, kidney stones, cysts, and other abnormalities.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the urinary system. It helps evaluate tumours, identify structural abnormalities, and assess the extent of the disease.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to generate real-time images of the urinary organs. It is helpful in detecting kidney stones, tumours, cysts, and other urinary tract abnormalities.
• Urinalysis: Urinalysis involves analysing a urine sample for the presence of blood, infection, or other abnormalities. It helps diagnose urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and certain kidney diseases.
• Urine Culture: A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria causing a urinary tract infection. It helps guide appropriate antibiotic treatment before surgery.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures the levels of various blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps assess overall health and identify any underlying infections or anaemia.
• Kidney Function Tests: Blood tests such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are performed to evaluate kidney function and determine if the kidneys are filtering waste products properly.
• Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy involves the insertion a thin tube with a cystoscope (a tiny camera) into the urethra and up into the bladder. It allows direct visualisation of the bladder lining, urethra, and sometimes the ureters. Cystoscopy helps identify bladder tumours, stones, or other abnormalities.
• Biopsy: In certain cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample from a suspicious lesion or tumour. The tissue sample is examined to determine if cancer or other diseases are present.

Preparation

• Before the surgery, patients will need to undergo diagnostic and imaging tests including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.
• They will also need to follow specific instructions provided by their surgeon, such as not eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the surgery.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• During the procedure, general anaesthesia is administered.
• The surgeon will make small incisions in the abdomen and insert the laparoscope and other surgical instruments through these incisions.
• The surgeon will then use the laparoscope to visualise the area and perform the surgery.
• The procedure can take several hours, depending on the type of surgery.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, laparoscopic urologic surgery carries some risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding organs
• Anaesthesia-related complications

Recovery

• After surgery, the patient may be monitored in the hospital for a few days.
• They may experience pain, discomfort, or swelling in the incision areas.
• A catheter may be inserted in the bladder to help drain urine.
• The surgeon will provide necessary instructions for caring for the incisions, managing pain, and returning to normal activities.
• Patients are advised not to engage in strenuous activites, lift heavy objects, and operate heavy machinery for a few weeks.
• Depending on the kind of surgery and the extent of the condition, the recovery period may vary from a few weeks to a few months.
• Patients should quit smoking before and after surgery since it can interfere with healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much pain is normal after Laparoscopy?

After laparoscopic surgery, some degree of pain or discomfort is normal. The pain an individual may experience can vary depending on the type of procedure and individual pain tolerance. Most people describe the pain as mild to moderate that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or prescription painkillers. However, if you experience severe or persistent pain, you should contact your doctor right away.

Q2. Can I sit after a Laparoscopic Urologic procedure?

Yes, you can sit after the laparoscopic procedure. However, it's important to avoid sitting for prolonged periods, as this can increase the risk of blood clots in your legs. Your doctor may recommend getting up and walking around every hour or so to help prevent blood clots and promote healing.

Q3. Are stitches used in Laparoscopic Surgery?

Yes, stitches are typically used in laparoscopic surgery to close the incisions made during the procedure. However, the incisions are much smaller than those made during traditional open surgery, so only a few small stitches are needed.

Q4. Is there any fast way to recover from Laparoscopic Surgery?

To recover from laparoscopic surgery, follow your doctor's post-operative instructions carefully. This may include resting for a few days, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks, taking pain medication as prescribed, and eating a healthy diet to support healing. It's also important to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Pragnesh Desai, Principal Consultant - Andrology & General Urology