Medicosnext
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdominal region. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera that inspects the abdomen through an incision of one centimeter in the surgical area. This new-age procedure is capable of removing tumor weighing about six kilos. It is done to find the cause of symptoms such as infertility or abdominal or pelvic pain. Moreover, all kinds of surgery can be conducted through the procedure. However, laparoscopy is not applicable during child delivery.
What inspired you to conduct laparoscopy surgery in Nepal?
I completed my medical studies and started working. It was then that I realized that I wanted to do something new in the medical field. So, I joined my first laparoscopy training in Kanpur in 2015. It introduced me to the basic knowledge on the surgery, and work procedures. Having realized that it took numerous trainings to be able to work as a laparoscopy surgeon, I undertook training in many parts of India, including Mumbai, Gorakhpur, and New Delhi. After visiting different countries for international conferences and trainings, I realized that the medical scenario in Nepal was limited to open surgeries, though laparoscopy surgery was being safely practiced across the globe. I then started to hone my skills as a laparoscopy surgeon.
Can you explain the benefits of laparoscopy surgery?
As the procedure requires the equipment to pass through a surgical incision of one centimeter, the method is also called keyhole surgery. It has many benefits compared to open surgery. The scar is not permanent, and the post-surgery pain is also reduced a great deal. Furthermore, the procedure also decreases hospital stays due to the quicker recovery period. Moreover, the surgery is less complicated. Blood transfusion to compensate for the loss of blood is not required, either.
What are the existing setbacks of this new approach?
Challenges prevail in both the public and medical sectors. Most of the medical sectors have been reluctant to adopt the procedure, citing the possibilities of financial loss following the adaptation of laparoscopy. Therefore, they’re hesitant about informing the patient about the technological advancements. Generally speaking, laparoscopy is a tad more costly than open surgery. However, post-surgery expenses are not required.
What measures can be taken to mitigate the challenges that have been barring surgeons from practicing laparoscopy?
It’s necessary that people let go of the stereotypical perception of the new-age medicinal practices they carry. However, I am glad to have found the demography of remote areas perceiving any issue once they undergo counseling sessions. Education and courses on laparoscopy surgery should be widely imparted in medical institutions for students to gain familiarity with the whole process of laparoscopy. With proper coordination between medical institutions and authoritative government bodies, this can be possible after conducting frequent training for doctors.
