Laparoscopic Liver Resection - Minimizing Risks With Surgical Innovation

Introduction

The liver is a major organ that is important for performing multiple functions simultaneously. Any damage to the liver may affect the red blood cell filtration. As a result, there could be increased toxins in the body which may be dreadful. Frequent consumption of alcohol is known to damage the liver extensively. Besides, certain liver conditions may also affect the functions of the liver and the hormone levels. In such cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissues.

In recent times, advancements in technology have aided in performing surgeries with minimal invasion and limiting blood loss. For example, in laparoscopic liver resection, a portion of the liver may be removed carefully without damaging the nearby organs. It also reduces blood loss and tissue scarring. This helps the surgeon perform surgeries with better precision. This article details the use of laparoscopy in the medical field and the advantages of a laparoscopic liver resection over conventional surgery.

What Is the Liver?

One of the largest organs of the human body that is essential for filtering blood and performing various bodily functions is the liver. The liver is a spongy organ that makes proteins and hormones that are required in the other parts of the body. The liver has two lobes, namely the larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe. Multiple blood vessels are seen within the lobes via which the blood reaches the body. The liver cleans the blood by filtering it and removes toxins and waste, which are eliminated from the body through urine and feces. Multiple lobules are present in the loves, which are connected with bile ducts. These tubes are responsible for transporting bile from the liver to the small intestine.

What Are the Functions of the Liver?

The liver can perform hundreds of functions in a given period. It is the only organ in the body with a regenerative capacity. Some of the most important functions of the liver are mentioned below:

• Cleans toxins from the blood.

• Removes the red blood cells.

• Metabolizes proteins and fats.

• Helps in blood clotting.

• Regulates the amount of blood in the body.

• Stores glycogen.

What Is Liver Resection?

It is a surgical procedure to remove a part of the liver in which two-thirds of the liver may have to be removed to retain a healthy portion of the liver. The liver resection is generally performed when an individual wants to donate a piece of the liver for liver transplantation or in case of any diseased condition.

What Is a Laparoscopy?

In this procedure, a small, slender fiber-optic instrument called a laparoscope is inserted via the abdominal wall and helps to view the organs in the abdomen. It is used to perform surgeries to remove any affected tissues or healthy tissues for transplantation. It aids in the diagnosis of various conditions which are developed inside the abdomen or pelvis.

What Are the Uses of Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a useful surgical procedure that is widely used in the medical field for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It involves using a laparoscopy, a surgical instrument to access and operate the abdominal cavity by making smaller incisions. Its uses are mentioned below:

• In cholecystectomy, to remove the gallbladder and treat gallstones.

• In appendectomy, the removal of the appendix if it causes appendicitis.

• For hernia repair.

• In colectomy, remove a portion of the colon for conditions like colorectal cancer.

• Tubal ligation is permanent sterilization for birth control.

• In nephrectomy, remove a portion of the affected kidney.

• It is used to remove ovarian cysts and in the treatment of endometriosis lesions,

• It repairs blocked renal pelvis.

What Is Laparoscopic Liver Resection?

Laparoscopic liver resection is a surgical procedure that is used to remove a part of the liver by using minimally invasive techniques. The liver is an essential part of the body to perform multiple actions like detoxification and production of proteins. The following steps are involved in laparoscopic liver resection:

• The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free. A small incision is made in the abdomen to accommodate the specialized surgical instrument and a camera called a laparoscope.

• Then carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity, which creates a space between the organs. This helps the surgeon to have a better and clearer view.

• The laparoscope is slowly inserted through the incisions and the instruments. It is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source that allows it to send real-time images to the monitor. The images guide the surgeon throughout the procedure. The surgical equipment is inserted via other incisions that help to cut and seal the blood vessels.

• The target area is identified and carefully removed by the surgeon. The bleeding is controlled with the help of sealing instruments like cauterization or sealing devices which help to reduce blood loss.

• After the required tissue is removed, the remaining portion of the liver is inspected for any bleeding and other complications, and the blood vessels and bile ducts are sutured carefully.

• The removed liver tissue is placed separately, and the smaller incisions are sutured or closed with surgical staples.

The major benefits of laparoscopic liver resection are mentioned below:

• Smaller incisions aim to reduce postoperative pain and also reduce scarring.

• The precision of laparoscopic instruments and techniques helps to reduce the blood loss that may occur during conventional surgeries.

• Post-operation, the patients spend less time at the hospital due to the faster recovery rate.

Not all liver conditions are suitable for laparoscopic resection. The decision is based on multiple factors, like the location and size of the lesion and the patient’s overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laparoscopic liver resection has simplified the process of conventional surgical methods by ensuring minimal tissue invasion and scarring. This encourages a better prognosis and lesser post-operative pain. However, laparoscopic liver resection may not be suitable for all conditions. Hence the patient has to be thoroughly evaluated before understanding the scope of the surgical procedure.