Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is a minimally invasive surgery. In this surgery, the abdomen is inflated with a gas such as carbon-dioxide. This helps in creating a wall between the other organs and the abdomen. Short incisions are then made and narrow tubes are inserted into the abdominal wall for passing the instruments through them so that the operation can be performed. The surgeon views everything on a video monitor and can perform surgeries on the gallbladder, stomach, intestines,and kidneys using this procedure. Like any other surgery, laparoscopic abdominal surgery can present complications.
Bleeding and Infection
The NYU School of Medicine states that bleeding and infection are a complication of laparoscopic abdominal surgery. The site of the incision and the surgical procedure are both prone to these problems.
Hernia
A hernia is another complication of laparoscopic abdominal surgery, as reported by the NYU School of Medicine. A hernia is a bulge caused from poor healing of the wound. This usually occurs if a large incision has been made. This hernia can develop within days, months or even years.
Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus
Thrombosis is another complication of laparoscopic abdominal surgery, according to the NYU School of Medicine. Thrombosis is a condition in which clots tend to form in the legs. When clots form in the lungs, the condition is called pulmonary embolus.
Injuries
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearby organs can be damaged during a laparoscopic surgery. Damage can also occur to a blood vessel. Organs such as the bowel and the bladder are also vulnerable.
Anesthesia Problems
General anesthesia is usually required to allow the muscles of the abdominal walls to relax enough so that the operation can be performed easily, according to the NYU School of Medicine. Serious complications from general anesthesia can include heart attack, stroke, brain damage and death. However, these risks are quite low. Some of the common risks include nausea and vomiting. The individual might wake up during the operation. An allergic response may occur to the general anesthetic, which may cause irregular heartbeat, high fever, muscle tightness, or breathing problems.
