All About Laparoscopy: Benefits, Risks, and Costs

Posted on: Dec 23, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

All About Laparoscopy: Benefits, Risks, and Costs

When we have persistent pain in the abdomen, we immediately take medicines, but unfortunately, the pain doesn't subside. After a series of tests, the doctor suggests getting a laparoscopy done. You have heard about it, but you are not sure if it is safe. Well, you are not alone. Many patients get a little worried when this procedure is mentioned. Their fear is reasonable as it involves making small incisions and inserting a laparoscope, which is a high-resolution camera and a light source. But do you need to be scared? Let’s learn more about it so you can make a well-thought-out choice.

What is Laparoscopy? How it works?

Laparoscopy comes from the word laparoscope, which means a small tool with a video camera and light on the end. Thus, laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon makes small incisions (cuts) in the affected part of the body and inserts the laparoscope to view and treat the internal organs. It is also called `keyhole surgery’ because of the small incisions.

During the procedure, the patient is first administered general anaesthesia. Then, small incisions are made in the abdomen or pelvis and the laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions. The laparoscope camera sends real-time images and video of the internal organs to a monitor. To enable surgeons to get a clear view and operate without any obstruction, carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdominal cavity to create space. After the procedure, the carbon dioxide is released, all the instruments removed, and the incisions stitched and bandaged. While some patients get discharged on the same day of surgery, others may require hospitalisation for a few days.

Why Choose Laparoscopy Operation?

A laparoscopy operation has several benefits, so many choose this procedure over traditional open surgery. Here are some benefits –

1. Minimal scars

As laparoscopy involves small incisions, there is minimal scarring. As a result of small scars, healing is also quick.

2. Recovery is faster

Due to minimal or small incisions, you recover faster and can return to work or daily activities much sooner compared to open surgeries.

3. Less pain

There is less pain and discomfort as the scar heals, so you will not require too many painkillers.

4. Risk of infection is less

Due to smaller cuts, the chances of wound infection are much lower than open surgeries.

5. Shorter hospital stays

Laparoscopy procedures are usually done as daycare procedures or require short hospital stays. This will reduce your hospitalisation expenses and the risk of hospital-acquired infection.

6. Less blood loss

During laparoscopic procedures, there is minimal blood loss; hence, the need for blood transfusion is also low.

Types of Laparoscopy Procedures

1. Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Also known as exploratory laparoscopy, this procedure is done to check the organs in the pelvis or abdomen. It helps diagnose chronic pelvic pain, abdominal pain, or conditions like endometriosis.

2. Appendectomy

For people with appendicitis, this laparoscopy procedure is performed to remove the appendix. Compared to traditional open surgery, the patient recovers faster, and there is minimal scarring.

3. Cholecystectomy

This is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures to remove gallbladder for treating gallstones or gallbladder disease. Recovery is faster, and the patient can resume normal activities soon.

4. Hysterectomy

This involves removing the uterus through a minimally invasive procedure for patients with fibroids, uterine cancer, heavy bleeding, or other gynaecological issues.

5. Hernia Repair

Using small incisions, laparoscopy repairs hernia (inguinal, umbilical, or incisional).

Laparoscopy surgery cost in India

The cost of laparoscopy surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of laparoscopy surgery, hospital infrastructure, surgeon expertise, geographical location, post-operative care, etc. So, the surgery cost falls between INR 20,000 and INR 1,50,000. The estimated cost of some common procedures is —

• Diagnostic laparoscopy: INR 20,000 — INR 50,000

• Appendectomy by laparoscopy: INR 40,000 — INR 80,000

• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy): INR 50,000 — INR 1,00,000

• Hysterectomy by laparoscopy: INR 80,000 — INR 1,50,000

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: INR 20,000 – INR 50,000

• Fallopian Tube Blockages: INR 20,000 – INR 50,000

Laparoscopy Operations: Risk and Complications

Although laparoscopy is a safe procedure, it can still cause complications, such as –

• Infection

• Bleeding from the incision, which may require a blood transfusion if it is severe

• Accidental injury to nearby organs and blood vessels, but this is rare

• Abdominal swelling or inflammation

• Blood clots

• Reactions to anaesthesia

Conclusion

Laparoscopy is preferred over open surgery because of less pain, minimal scarring, and faster recovery. However, it also comes with a price. So, ensure your health insurance policy has an adequate sum insured to cover the expenses. For additional protection against any critical ailment, critical illness insurance is the ideal option.

FAQs

1. Why is laparoscopy gaining popularity?

Nowadays, many people prefer laparoscopy because the incisions (cuts) are small, the pain is less, recovery is faster, and there is a reduced chance of getting an infection. The patient can resume normal activities sooner compared to open surgeries.

2. Is laparoscopy more expensive than traditional open surgeries?

Yes, it is more expensive than open surgeries because of its several benefits. However, you can claim the expenses from your insurance provider.

3. Are there any complications of laparoscopy procedures?

Although laparoscopy is a safe procedure, the possible complications are infections, bleeding from the incision, abdominal swelling, blood clots, or accidental damage to nearby organs and blood vessels. However, these complications or risks are rare.

4. Does a health insurance policy cover laparoscopy, given the high surgery costs?

Yes, your insurance policy will cover surgery costs up to the sum insured. However, it is best to check with your insurer about the terms and conditions relating to laparoscopy.

5. Is laparoscopy a high-risk surgery?

Not at all. It is considered low-risk and the patient can go home the same day of surgery. In rare cases, a short hospital stay of 1 or 2 days may be required.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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