Laparoscopic Appendectomy
What is Appendicitis
It is an abrupt inflammation of a person’s appendix. Even though the appendix is not apparently useful for the body, it can become damaged and, if left untreated, can cause infection, burst, and even cause death. Its cause is usually unknown, but may occur due to a viral infection in the GI tract, or as a result of a stool-blockage in the tube connecting the appendix and large bowel. The blockage of the opening caused by a small, hard stool fragment may lead to inflammation or infection of the appendix. This infected appendix is removed by laparoscopic appendix surgery in Kolkata to prevent the formation of a hole through which infection can spread to the whole abdominal space.
Symptoms of Appendicitis
The following are the main symptoms associated with appendicitis:
- Abdominal pain, starting around the umbilicus and then spreading to the right lower part of the abdomen
- The pain in abdomen becomes worse when coughing or walking
- Fever occurs within a few hours
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal tenderness
- Constipation
- Chills and shaking
- Severe generalized pain abdomen when the appendix bursts
Appendicitis is a surgical emergency. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, consult a laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata immediately.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic appendectomy in Kolkata is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, involving making three to four key holes in a patient’s abdomen through which a miniature camera along with some surgical instruments are inserted. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon removes the affected appendix using these instruments, without making any large incisions. The camera shows a magnified image, guiding the surgeon when removing the appendix.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Appendectomy
The benefits of treating acute appendicitis using laparoscopic techniques are
- Lesser pain after surgery
- Quicker recovery, allowing the patient to resume normal activity
- Lesser chances of post-operative complications including infection
- Minimal scarring due to small-sized incisions
Who can have Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Not all patients can undergo a laparoscopic appendectomy. Dr. Mainak Pal, an advanced laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata, would perform a thorough investigation about the patient’s pre-existing disease conditions. Usually, patients with severe COPD and cardiac diseases are not suited for laparoscopic appendectomy.
Elderly people might also be at risk for developing complications, especially with general anaesthesia. Dr. Pal and his team members evaluate and determine the best possible surgery type for each patient.