Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery
Gallbladder removals. Kidney removals. Lots of general surgery procedures are now being done on an "in and out" or same day basis. It's called "laparoscopic" or minimally invasive. No opening of the body with large incisions, no big scars, no long hospitalizations. Just some small holes made with trocars so that cameras and surgical equipment can be inserted.
The surgeon manipulates the instruments to get the job done while watching a video monitor - sort of like a very serious video game. When it works, it's great. When it doesn't, all too often great illness, sickness, pain and tragedy can and do occur. It looks simple but there can be serious risk and patients should be monitored closely to watch for known complications.
I've been involved in many cases involving these botched procedures or have not been following closely post operatively...and that number is growing. We've developed quite a strong ability to work these cases effectively and efficiently.
If all goes well, the patient goes home within hours of the procedure with diminishing pain and a quick recovery. If there has been an injury, all too often, it's not being picked up at the event or post operatively. We're seeing an awful lot of sloppy,inattentive and sometimes, downright recklessly negligent medical care as doctors perform this surgery casually in an assembly line fashion.
Beware - many doctors and surgeons don't really understand the significance of post-op pain, fever and other ominous symptoms. Also we find that many surgeons who are not physically able or properly-trained in the more complex procedures are performing these surgeries. It's quick for the doctors - they can do several in succession and send them right home - meaning no hospital rounds at 6 a.m. the next day and much less time invested in the patient's care on behalf of the physician.
Ask your surgeon about his or her health, physical limitations, surgical procedures he or she may have undergone and question how up to date his training is.
It's your health and your rights. Stand up for yourself. The longer the injury goes undiagnosed and untreated, the consequences become increasingly worse.
Unfortunately, I'm working on three such very sad cases involving the death of the patients and two others where the patients' suffered permanent damage to their intestines and liver which will compromise their health forever.
Laparoscopic surgery is an excellent choice for many and a fine way to get back out and on with your life, BUT BUT BUT make sure the surgeon knows what he's doing from start to finish!
