What Is Keyhole Surgery? 7 Things You Should Know.

Keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that uses small incisions and specialised tools to perform surgeries with less damage to surrounding tissue than traditional open surgeries. This technique offers several benefits, including less pain, smaller scars, and shorter recovery times. 

In this article, we will discuss keyhole surgery, its benefits, and the types of conditions treated with it at G&L Surgical.

1. What Is Keyhole Surgery?

Keyhole surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a camera and specialised tools to perform the surgery. This technique allows the surgeon to see inside the body and perform the surgery more precisely than traditional open surgery.

2. Keyhole Surgery VS Open Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, keyhole surgery has several advantages. Keyhole surgery typically results in less pain, smaller scars, and a shorter recovery time. Additionally, with keyhole surgery, patients have a reduced risk of complications such as bleeding and infection. However, open surgery is still required for more complex cases.

3. When Is Keyhole Surgery Used At G&L Surgical?

At G&L Surgical, laparoscopic keyhole techniques are used to treat various conditions. Our surgeon uses laparoscopic keyhole techniques to ensure fast recovery and minimal pain for our patients. We specialise in treating a variety of conditions using these advanced surgical techniques, including hernias, gallbladder disease, colon conditions, and bariatric surgery for weight loss.

Our laparoscopic keyhole techniques are designed to minimise damage to surrounding tissue, resulting in less pain and faster recovery times for our patients. Some of the keyhole surgeries we offer at G&L Surgical include:

• Laparoscopic hernia repair: This procedure involves repairing a hernia.
• Laparoscopic gallbladder removal: This procedure is used to remove the gallbladder.
• Laparoscopic colon surgery: This procedure involves removing part of the colon.
• Laparoscopic bariatric surgery for weight loss: This procedure involves using a laparoscope and specialised instruments to perform weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

Depending on your condition, it is recommended that you seek medical advice on which procedure (whether open or keyhole) is suitable as a treatment. Our surgeon will advise you during the consultation on the pros and cons surrounding both procedures to aid you in making an informed decision before proceeding with treatment.

4. How Is Keyhole Surgery Performed?

Keyhole surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. The surgeon can then see inside the body and perform the surgery using specialised tools inserted through other small incisions.

5. Preparing For A Keyhole Surgery

Before undergoing keyhole surgery, patients will need to prepare by following specific instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include fasting for a certain period before the surgery and stopping certain medications.

6. Recovery After A Keyhole Surgery

Recovery after keyhole surgery is typically faster than with traditional open surgery. Patients may experience some pain and discomfort, but this can usually be managed with pain medication. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

7. Complications From Keyhole Surgery 

While keyhole surgery is generally safe and effective, there is always a risk of complications, as with any surgery. Possible complications from keyhole surgery include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

Keyhole surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller scars and shorter recovery times. At G&L Surgical, we recommend laparoscopic keyhole techniques to treat patients who suffer from hernias, gallbladder disease, colon conditions and many more.

If you are considering surgery, talk to our friendly staff over the clinic or contact us via Whatsapp, and we will advise you on your best surgical option.