Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, is done through a few small cuts in the abdomen instead of one large opening. A thin telescope with a camera (laparoscope) shows the inside of the abdomen on a high-definition screen, and the surgeon operates with fine instruments.

At Aishal Medicity, our general surgeons use laparoscopic techniques for many common operations, including gallbladder removal, hernia repair and appendix surgery, as well as for diagnosing unexplained abdominal pain.

• Gallbladder stones causing pain or inflammation
• Hernias of the groin or abdominal wall
• Appendicitis
• Some conditions of the stomach, intestine and ovaries
• Diagnostic laparoscopy when the cause of abdominal pain is unclear

• Smaller cuts, less pain and smaller scars
• Shorter hospital stay; many patients go home in one or two days
• Faster return to work and daily activities
• Lower risk of wound infection and wound hernia than open surgery

Before the procedure

You will have blood tests, scans as needed and an anaesthesia check-up. You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery.

During the procedure

Under general anaesthesia, the abdomen is gently filled with carbon dioxide gas to create space. The surgeon inserts the camera and instruments through small cuts of five to ten millimetres and performs the operation. Occasionally, for safety, the surgeon may need to switch to open surgery.

After the procedure

You can usually sit up, walk and drink within hours. Some shoulder-tip pain from the gas is common for a day or two.

Most people return to light activities within a week and to normal routine within two to three weeks, depending on the operation.

• Walk regularly from the first day
• Avoid lifting heavy objects for a few weeks, especially after hernia repair
• Keep the small wounds clean and dry
• Contact the hospital for fever, increasing abdominal pain, vomiting or wound discharge