Laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery has become a common approach in treating various types of cancer. This technique involves small incisions, a specialised camera (laparoscope) and some surgical instruments. Though it may not be suitable for treating all types of cancer, it offers several advantages. These include reduced pain and short recovery time. Read on to know more about the role of laparoscopic surgery in cancer treatment.
Laparoscopic Surgery in Cancer Treatment
Laparoscopic surgery helps to visualise and treat cancerous tumours. The procedure starts with the administration of general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes small incisions to insert the laparoscope. Other incisions are also made through which surgical instruments get inserted to remove tumours, take biopsies as well as to perform other required procedures.
This treatment is particularly beneficial for the treatment of cancers in the abdominal and pelvic regions. It is mostly used to treat cancers in the colon, pancreas, stomach, liver, ovaries and uterus. Based on the type of cancer, laparoscopic surgery is generally used to determine the extent of cancer spread (staging), perform lymph node dissection and other therapeutic interventions.
Types of Cancers Treated with Laparoscopic Surgery
- Colon Cancer: Laparoscopic surgery plays an important role in colon cancer treatment when the cancer is localised and has not spread. Its also used to remove a part of the colon affected by the disease.
- Pancreatic Cancer: For pancreatic cancer, laparoscopic surgery helps to eliminate tumours that are confined to the pancreas. Sometimes, this procedure is combined with chemotherapy for effective treatment.
- Stomach Cancer: In cases of stomach cancer, laparoscopic surgery aids in tumour removal, staging and lymph node dissection. It also enables the surgeon to make minimal incisions while still effectively addressing the disease.
- Liver Cancer: When the tumour is small and confined to a specific area, doctors prefer performing laparoscopic surgery for liver cancer treatment.
- Gynaecological Cancer: Laparoscopy is also recommended in the treatment of gynaecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer.
If you are suffering from any of these cancers, you can consult our doctors for surgical oncology treatment in Dumdum.
Is Laparoscopic Surgery Suitable for Every Cancer Patient?
The decision to use laparoscopic surgery depends on the type of cancer, the patient’s health and medical history. For instance, the procedure may not be suitable for the treatment of large tumours and advanced-stage cancers. To know more, consult our doctors at SH Binayak Multi-speciality Hospital for cancer treatment in Dumdum.