iLappSurgery | Laparoscopic

Minimal invasive surgery is a modern way of
endoscopic surgery of the abdomen

Minimal invasive surgery is a modern way of endoscopic surgery of the abdomen using a few small incisions allowing instruments to be entered into the abdominal cavity including a small camera enabling the recording of surgical procedures inside the abdomen.

In laparoscopic surgery the instruments are held by the surgeon and other team members, while in robotic surgery the instruments are connected to robotic arms which are controlled by the surgeon while sitting in a robotic console.

Some years ago most surgical procedures in the abdomen were carried out by invasive methods i.e. by making a large incision to enter the abdomen in order to get access to the internal organs.

Such invasive methods result in a higher risk of infections, a rather long recovery time and hospital stay, more scarring and discomfort to the patient. In the last 3 decades the minimal invasive surgical techniques gained popularity rather quickly for a variety of procedures.

Laparoscopy

The minimal-invasive laparoscopic approach offers a number of indisputable advantages over invasive techniques because the approach requires only minor incisions resulting in better short term outcomes.

However this way of performing surgery demands other skills from the surgeon because there is less tactile feedback and he is forced to think in a 3-dimensional way while working mainly on a 2-dimensional screen (although 3D-screens are available).

Therefore the risk of damaging organs is higher unless the surgeon is well trained and experienced in such techniques. For this reason training centers were established around the world.

Because every move of the surgeon can be watched, recorded and played back laparoscopic surgery is a perfect technique to train on a screen.

Robotic surgery

Like in laparoscopic surgery the minimal-invasive robotic technique requires only minor incisions resulting in better short term outcomes.

Because the robot is very powerful and because there is no direct tactile feedback the surgeon has to be trained to perform the surgical procedures in a safe manner. The 3D-vision and use of wristed instruments are main advantages of the robotic approach. Additional imaging features and anatomical mapping is to be expected in the future.

During the learning curve the risk of damaging organs is higher unless the surgeon is well trained and proctored. For this reason training centers were established around the world.

Because every move of the surgeon can be watched, recorded and played back also robotic surgery is a perfect technique to train on a screen. When having a dual console the proctor can take over the control to the robot and teach the student.