Laparoscopic Surgery which is also called as Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) or Band-Aid Surgery is a modern surgical technique which is used to perform surgeries in the abdomen or pelvis using small incisions of 0.5 to 1.5 cms in length with the aid of camera. The laparoscope helps to diagnose and operate on the problems inside abdomen and pelvis with few small cuts in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic surgery is generally advised for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, and causes of infertility. Laparoscopic surgery is also preferred for removal of fibroids, uterus, ovarian cysts, lymph nodes, or an ectopic pregnancy.

The main element used in laparoscopic surgery is a laparoscope which is a long fiber optic cable system that helps in viewing the affected area by meandering the cable from a distant yet easily accessible location. The other surgical instruments that are specifically used in the laparoscopic surgery are, obstetrical forceps, pair of scissors, probes, hooks and reactors.

There are two types in which laparoscopic surgery is done, one is by using a telescopic rod lens system connected to a video camera, and the other is by using a digital laparoscope in which a miniature digital camera is placed at the end of laparoscope. The later arrangement eliminates the use of rod lens system.

Laparoscopic surgery has always been encircled with myths. We will see some of those myths and the facts against the same here.

Myth: Laparoscopic surgery is costlier than open surgery. Fact: As there is less bleeding, pain and recovery time due to small incisions, the need for hospitalization as well as for medication gets reduced considerably as compared to open surgery. That makes laparoscopic surgery cheaper than open surgery. Myth: Laparoscopic surgery is costlier than open surgery. Fact: As there is less bleeding, pain and recovery time due to small incisions, the need for hospitalization as well as for medication gets reduced considerably as compared to open surgery. That makes laparoscopic surgery cheaper than open surgery. Myth: When the cysts or fibroids are large, laparoscopic surgery is of no use. Fact: This myth has been spread because of small size of incisions that are made for laparoscopic surgery. Removal of large abdominal structures can be very well performed with laparoscopic surgery. Myth: Very thin or very obese patients cannot undergo laparoscopic surgery. Fact: The tools required to perform laparoscopic surgery are available in various sizes and lengths. Also, the techniques that are used to enter in the abdomen of the patient are adjusted depending upon patient’s body type. Hence, laparoscopy can be performed safely and effectively on any body size. Myth: If excessive bleeding or other complications happen during laparoscopic surgery, the procedure needs to be converted to an open surgery. Fact: Majority of procedures that can be done in open surgery can be done safely and effectively during laparoscopic surgery. In case of any complications, the same procedures that are used during open surgery, can be used during laparoscopic surgery as well. Myth: Laparoscopic surgery takes more time than open surgery. Hence the patient remains open to anaesthesia for more time. Fact: Expert endoscopic surgeons perform laparoscopic surgery within the same time as required for an open surgery. Local anaesthesia given for laparoscopic surgery eliminates the complications that may happen due to general anaesthesia. Myth: Laparoscopic surgery is not advisable for the patients who have abdominal infections or who have had abdominal infections in the past. Fact: Laparoscopic surgeries are as safe and effective as the open surgeries even in case of present or past abdominal infections. Further, laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of post-operative infections as the smaller incisions reduces the exposure and handling of inner organs. Above facts make it clear that laparoscopic surgery is proven for its safety and effectiveness. Apart from the facts that we have seen, as compared to the open surgery procedures, laparoscopic surgery has many advantages. Bleeding is low in laparoscopic surgery. That reduces the need of blood transfusion. As the incisions are small, post-operative pain is reduced. Also the post-operative scars are minimal. Lessened pain minimises the need of pain medication. Local anaesthesia given in laparoscopic surgery reduces the complications of general anaesthesia required in open surgeries. Laparoscopic surgery reduces hospital stay that helps the patient to return to his/her routine fast. Due to small incisions, the exposure of internal organs to outside contamination is lowered, that eliminates the risk of causing post-operative infections. To conclude, laparoscopic surgery is as safe and effective as its counterpart, an open surgery.