Difference Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery
Open vs. Laparoscopic Surgery: What’s Right for You?
The birth of Laparoscopy has been proven to revolutionise the world of medicine. This surgical approach has shown that with minimal or no incision, surgeries can be enacted. However, this does not negate the significance of an open surgery. It remains the most preferred way to offer treatment when it comes to complex cases like kidney transplants or ureteral stenosis. Read the guide to know all in detail.
Comparison Between Laparoscopy and Open Surgery
Here are some of the significant differences between laparoscopy and open surgery:
| Parameters | Laparoscopy | Open Surgery |
Type of Anaesthesia Used
| Most laparoscopic procedures (e.g., appendectomy, hernia repair) require general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety. Local anesthesia is rarely used alone. | General anaesthesia and local anaesthesia are used. It depends on the type of surgery. |
| Incision Size | Small incisions measuring half an inch or less
| A large incision is at least three inches long. |
| Suitable for whom? | Patients who require appendectomy, small cysts, ectopic pregnancy removal, hernia repair surgery, gastric bypass surgery and so on. | Patients with complex health conditions, like large tumours or those who require aortic dissection, open heart surgery, and so on. |
| Benefits | Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less trauma or risk of infection, smaller scars and shorter hospital stays. Lower risk of adhesions and reduced blood loss and faster return to bowel function. | Open surgery allows doctors to get direct access to organs, so that they can make a decision based on tactile feedback. In cases of complex health conditions, this feedback helps the most. |
Risks
| There might be a possibility of infection, swelling, or bleeding from incision or injury to the surrounding organs. CO₂ insufflation complications (e.g., gas embolism, shoulder pain). Trocar injuries (e.g., bowel/vessel damage during instrument insertion). | Possibilities of internal bleeding, infection, extreme pain, and blood clots. |
| Expense | More expensive than an open surgery since it requires specialised instruments. | Compared to Laparoscopic surgery, open surgery is less expensive, but it depends on the health condition of the patient. |
What is laparoscopic surgery?
A laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) refers to a minimally invasive medical procedure that helps healthcare experts to insert a thin, telescopic rod with a camera to get visual access to pelvic or abdominal cavities, known as a laparoscope, to operate on internal organs.
An example of a laparoscopic surgery would be an appendectomy. A small incision is made to insert a laparoscope, and then, using specialised tools and instruments, the affected appendix is removed.
The best thing about laparoscopic surgery is that it enables patients to recover faster, experience minimal pain, have shorter hospital stays and have an improved recovery outcome.
What is open surgery?
Open surgery refers to the incision of skin and tissues to get visual access to the organs involved. The main purpose of this type of surgery is to facilitate complex medical procedures smoothly with better control and precision.
A good example of this kind of surgery would be open-heart surgery. In this procedure, medical surgeons cut through the sternum or breastbone and spread the ribs to get access to the heart easily to treat severe coronary artery disease.
Depending on the complication of the disease, the recovery time varies for both laparoscopic and open surgery. It is highly recommended to take sufficient rest, keep the incisions dry, and avoid smoking and drinking immediately after these types of surgeries.
If at any moment complications arise after these surgeries, like high fever, vomiting, or abnormal bleeding, it is mandatory to contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
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