Side Effects of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery used to address a number of internal ills 1. According to Patient UK, laparoscopic surgeries are performed to get a closer look at internal organs, for biopsies, to treat endometriosis, to manage ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies, and as a way to access the gallbladder or appendix for removal 2. Like all surgical procedures, laparoscopic surgery comes with side effects 13.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Severe Immediate Postoperative Pain
Researchers in Israel doing a comparative study of pain levels between traditional and laparoscopic surgeries found that there was greater immediate postoperative pain in laparoscopic procedures, according to a 2006 issue of “Annals of Surgery.” The pain was measured by the needs for additional painkillers, which 54 percent of laparoscopic patients needed 12. After 24 hours, laparoscopic surgery was rated as less painful than traditional styles, but the immediate postoperative pain required more attention 1.
Infected Incisions
Post Hemorrhoidectomy Complications
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According to Patient UK, patients undergoing laparoscopic care may experience infections around the incisions associated with surgery 12. This side effect is occasional, but treatment will require antibiotics.
Shoulder and Upper Chest Pain
A common side effect of laparoscopic surgery, according to Surgery.com, is upper chest or shoulder pain 1. Patient UK notes that this may be concentrated in the shoulder blades. The pain is related to increased abdominal cavity pressure caused by the gas surgeons use to inflate the abdominal area prior to the first incision to give them a clearer view and better access to surgical sites. Surgery.com notes that the pain typically lasts for one to two days after the surgery.
- A common side effect of laparoscopic surgery, according to Surgery.com, is upper chest or shoulder pain 1.
- Surgery.com notes that the pain typically lasts for one to two days after the surgery.
Damaged Internal Organs or Blood Vessels
Abscess Tooth Pain & Cloves
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Laparoscopic procedures are linked with internal organ and blood vessel damage, according to Patient UK 2. This is a rare side effect of the use of laparoscopic tools, and will require emergency traditional surgery to repair, especially if intestines are ruptured 12.
Surgery.com notes that thinner patients with strong abdominal muscle tone are at a higher risk for internal damage from laparoscopic surgery as there is less room to maneuver tools 1. Obese patients may be at higher risk as more force is needed to navigate internally.
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References
- PubMed/"Annals of Surgery": Laparoscopic Surgery; 2006
- Patient UK: Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Surgery
- Surgery.com: Laparoscopy Risks, Surgeries Possible Side Effects
- Solodova RF, Galatenko VV, Nakashidze ER, et al. Instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation in gastrointestinal surgery. Minim Invasive Surg. 2017;2017:6481856. doi:10.1155/2017/6481856
- O'Connor SC, Mallard M, Desai SS, et al. Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Approach to Hiatal Hernia Repair: Results After 7 Years of Robotic Experience [published online ahead of print, 2020 Aug 18]. Am Surg. 2020;3134820943547. doi:10.1177/0003134820943547
- Liu Z, Tang S, Tian X, et al. Laparoscopic conversion to open surgery in radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy: causal analysis, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies. BMC Surg. 2020;20(1):185. Published 2020 Aug 13. doi:10.1186/s12893-020-00845-1
- Buia A, Stockhausen F, Hanisch E. Laparoscopic surgery: A qualified systematic review. World J Methodol. 2015;5(4):238-54. doi:10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238
- Zhang W, Che X. Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Treatment for Early and T3 Stage Gallbladder Cancer: A Systematic Review [published online ahead of print, 2020 Aug 17]. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2020;10.1097/SLE.0000000000000852. doi:10.1097/SLE.0000000000000852
- Fu SQ, Wang SY, Chen Q, Liu YT, Li ZL, Sun T. Laparoscopic versus open surgery for pheochromocytoma: a meta-analysis. BMC Surg. 2020;20(1):167. Published 2020 Jul 25. doi:10.1186/s12893-020-00824-6
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Jamie Simpson is a researcher and journalist based in Indianapolis with more than 10 years of professional writing experience. She earned her B.S. in animal science from Purdue University and her Master of Public Affairs in public management from Indiana University. Simpson also works as a massage therapist and equine sports massage therapist.