Laparoscopic Surgery Cost

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which the interior of the abdomen and pelvis is examined without making a large incision. It comprises a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a high-intensity light attached and a high-resolution camera on the end. A camera attached to the laparoscope projects what is happening inside a person's pelvis or belly onto a screen in real-time. These images provide doctors with an image of how their hands are moving while conducting surgery.

This method is usually used for both diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic laparoscopy enables doctors to diagnose any disorder causing of the abdomen or pelvis, whereas therapeutic laparoscopy, on the other hand, is used removal of the appendix, gallbladder, or tumors and treating disorders like endometriosis and fibroids and a whole lot more.

Who Needs Laparoscopy Surgery?

Laparoscopy is recommended for patients who need diagnostic examination or treatment for any of the various abdominal and pelvic conditions. Some common reasons for laparoscopy include:

• In cases where the reason for abdominal pain is not known and other diagnostic tools cannot establish it, a laparoscopy can explain the scenario more clearly.
• Laparoscopy is done in women who have infertility for the identification and treatment of endometriosis, PID, and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
• To identify causes such as adhesions or endometriosis.
• Removal of an inflamed appendix.
• Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) due to gallstones or infection.
• Repair of inguinal or other types of hernias.
• Biopsy or removal of tumors in the abdomen or pelvis.
• Treatment of a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus.

What is the Cost of Laparoscopy Surgery in India?

The cost of laparoscopy surgery in India ranges across a very wide spectrum, depending on factors such as the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, the standing of the hospital, and the city in which the surgery is performed. On average, the cost ranges from INR 30,000/- to INR 1,90,000/-.

• Diagnostic laparoscopy: This is usually less expensive, costing between INR 30,000 and INR 60,000.
• Therapeutic laparoscopy: More complex procedures, such as gallbladder removal or hernia repair, can cost between INR 50,000 and INR 1,90,000.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Laparoscopy Surgery

The cost of a laparoscopy surgery depends on factors such as:

• Type of surgery: The type and nature of laparoscopic surgery to a great extent have an effect on the cost. Procedures can range in the spectrum from as simple as a basic appendectomy to as complex as laparoscopic hysterectomy or gastric bypass.
• Hospital or clinic: The cost varies significantly between different healthcare facilities. Those hospitals that have state of the art facilities and the latest medical equipment charge much higher fees.
• Hospital Stay: The more time one has to spend in the hospital for post-surgery treatment adds to the cost. While some cases may mandatorily require an overnight stay in the hospital, others can be done on a day-care basis.
• Surgeon's expertise: Higher fees are charged by more experienced surgeons with advanced specialized training.
• Geographical location: Prices of health services vary from city to city or region to region. It is usually higher in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore compared to small towns.
• Medication: The total cost of the treatment includes the cost of the anesthetic, surgical instruments, and disposable materials utilized.
• Further Complications: Further complications that develop either during the course of surgery or after it can increase the overall cost. That is because complications need more medical procedures to be undergone and a longer stay at the hospital.
• Pre- and post-operative care: The level of care needed before and after the surgery, in terms of consultations, tests, and follow-up visits, might add to the cost.

Why is Laparoscopy Surgery Required?

Laparoscopy surgery is required for various medical reasons, both diagnostic and therapeutic:

• Diagnostic purposes: In cases where ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan is inconclusive, laparoscopy makes it possible to visualize internal organs directly for diagnosing problems.
• Therapeutic purposes: It is used to perform minimally invasive surgeries, which have less discomfort and involve a shorter recovery time compared to open surgery. It can be used for common therapeutic purposes like the removal of organs that are diseased, such as the gallbladder or appendix, treating ectopic pregnancies, and the removal or treatment of tumors or cysts.

What are the Risks Associated with Laparoscopy Surgery?

While this procedure is relatively safe, laparoscopy does have risks associated with the procedure, as is the case with all surgical procedures. Potential risks and complications include:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision sites or internally.
• Bleeding: Although minimal, there is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.
• Damage to organs: There is a small risk of accidental injury to surrounding organs, such as the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels.
• Anesthesia complications: As with any surgery requiring anesthesia, there is a risk of adverse reactions to the anesthesia.
• Blood clots: There are small risks of clotting disorders, particularly if there has been a history of such disorders in the past.
• Adhesions: Scar tissue may form inside the abdomen and could at some point be painful or complicating.
• Postoperative pain: There might be some pain or discomfort where the incisions are made.

FAQs

Q1. Is laparoscopy a high-risk surgery?

Ans. No, laparoscopy is not a high-risk surgery. It's minimally invasive with very low risks of complications like infection, bleeding, or organ damage; hence, it is much safer compared to traditional open surgeries.

Q2. How many hours is laparoscopy surgery?

Ans. Laparoscopy surgery, in most cases, may last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon the complexity of the surgery. The time required for simple diagnostic laparoscopy is not very long, though therapeutic surgeries, in which some organs have to be removed, may be time-consuming.

Q3. How many days of bed rest is needed after laparoscopy surgery?

Ans. Most of the patients are required to bed rest following laparoscopy surgery and may last for about 1 to 2 days. Recovery differs depending on how complicated it is, but most of the time one will be able to return to light activities within a week and normally perform his or her activities in about 2 to 3 weeks.

Q4. Is laparoscopy good for infertility?

Ans. Yes, laparoscopy is good for infertility. It diagnoses and treats conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and blocked fallopian tubes that hamper fertility. It can improve fertility potential in many childless couples by fixing these problems.

Q5. Can I get pregnant after a laparoscopy?

Ans. Yes, one can become pregnant after a laparoscopy. This often rectifies the conditions responsible for infertility, such as endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. This means that by treating the causes, a patient stands a better chance of conceiving and being able to hold a healthy pregnancy.