Laparoscopic surgery
Our private Laparoscopic surgery service is provided at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.
We use the latest and most minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques, better known as keyhole surgery, to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Our particular speciality is in renal cancer treatments, but our expert team also provides care for patients with other diseases affecting the abdominal and pelvic regions.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to diagnose and treat conditions.
Laparoscopic surgery is considered an advanced surgical technique. This is because, instead of creating a large, open wound to perform the investigations or surgery that is required, the same outcome can be achieved by using a less invasive technique. Nevertheless, laparoscopic surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, meaning youโll be asleep for the duration of your procedure.
During most laparoscopic surgeries, a minimum of three small incisions (usually 5 – 15mm in size) are made. A camera with light attached to a long, thin tube (the laparoscope) is inserted through one of the incisions and manoeuvred to the required area of the body. This provides a real-time feed to a monitor in the operating theatre so that your surgeon can visualise the structures inside your body.
The other incisions are used as entry points for any surgical tools that may be required, depending on your exact reason for surgery. Carbon dioxide is pumped into your abdominal cavity to expand the area, enabling your surgical team to undertake whatever procedure is required.
When the procedure is complete, the wounds are closed with dissolvable stitches, and sometimes glue if required.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is recommended as an alternative to open surgery wherever possible due to the range of benefits associated with this minimally invasive technique.
The advantages of private keyhole surgery include:
- Reduced risk of complications owing to smaller incision sites
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery
- Shorter stay in hospital after surgery
- Smaller scars
- Reduced risk of post-operative hernia formation
Who is laparoscopic surgery for?
Our laparoscopy services are used to both diagnose and treat conditions affecting the abdominal and pelvic areas. Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose conditions such as:
We also routinely use laparoscopy to treat a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Removing organs such as the gallbladder or appendix
- Repairing hernias
- Repairing burst or bleeding stomach ulcers
- Removing part or all of organs affected by cancer, such as the liver or ovaries
- Treating an ectopic pregnancy
- Hysterectomy (removal of the womb)
- Fibroid removal
- Weight loss surgery
Due to its range of benefits, our highly skilled and experienced team recommend laparoscopic surgery for these procedures wherever possible.
Contact us Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm:
Booking line: +44 (0) 20 4502 8783
Robotic laparoscopic surgery at Royal Free London
Laparoscopic surgery is one of the main forms of minimally invasive surgery. There are principally two types โ one performed by hand, and the other performed robotically. However, both use the same core technique.
The Royal Free Hospital currently offers limited robotic laparoscopic surgery, generally used for renal cancer treatments specifically.
Our laparoscopic surgeons use this effective and minimally invasive technique to both carry out investigations as part of the diagnostic process and to perform abdominal and pelvic surgeries. This enables patients to benefit from the most advanced practices and their associated advantages.
What are the risks associated with laparoscopic surgery?
There is a degree of risk with any surgery, and laparoscopic surgery is no exception.
However, the risks are low when compared with conventional open surgery. Some of the standard risks of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to other structures within the body
The most significant risk of laparoscopic surgery is the need for conversion to open surgery. This is very rare, affecting approximately 1โ2% of patients. Nevertheless, patients are required to give consent for this ahead of their procedure.
Developing a hernia is another common risk associated with laparoscopic surgery, but you can mitigate this risk by following the right steps in preparation for your procedure.
Some patients experience pain in their shoulder tip as a result of abdominal inflation, but this usually subsides within 24 hours. Bowel function may also be temporarily affected.
Who is not a suitable candidate for laparoscopic surgery?
While laparoscopic surgery is recommended for many patients, you may not be a suitable candidate for this technique if you have previously had any sort of significant abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Your doctor will also not recommend laparoscopic surgery if you have health issues which could increase any of the risks associated with the procedure.
Similarly, if you have heart and/or respiratory issues, you may not be a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery. Patients have their suitability assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How to prepare for laparoscopic surgery
Youโll be advised to follow some general guidelines to help prepare your body for laparoscopic surgery. These preparatory steps could also help to reduce the risks associated with your surgery and accelerate your recovery and include:
- Giving up smoking, since smoking can severely limit your bodyโs ability to heal
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
- Following a healthy, balanced diet full of essential nutrients
- Doing regular exercise
It can be extremely beneficial for patients to have a strong, healthy abdominal wall ahead of their surgery, as this can help to reduce the risk of developing a hernia. Do regular exercises that target your core to build strength in your abdominal wall.
Aftercare
Our dedicated orthopaedic surgery team is committed to providing exceptional aftercare. Exactly what you can expect to happen following your laparoscopic surgery will depend on the type of procedure you have.
In most cases, you should be able to return home much faster than you would have had if you had open surgery. Itโs essential to have someone who can come and collect you from the hospital, and stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.
You will be encouraged to eat and drink normally as soon as you can, although it can take up to 24 hours for your appetite to return. Many patients start slowly reintroducing food until they are eating normally again.
Youโll be advised to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least the first 6 weeks following your surgery, as any strain could increase your risk of developing a hernia. It usually takes up to 3 months to make a full recovery, during which time regular walking can support the healing process.
However, you should be sure to always follow any post-surgical instructions given to you by your care team, particularly when it comes to exercise and taking any pain-relieving medications you may have been prescribed.
Why choose Royal Free London for laparoscopic surgery?
Our renowned and highly experienced surgeons have extensive skill and expertise in their fields, both in the UK and internationally, treating both NHS and private patients. Supported by a dedicated nursing team, and with access to a broad range of other medical professionals, our patients can benefit from a comprehensively multidisciplinary approach to their private keyhole surgery and overarching care if it is required.
As a large teaching hospital, patient safety is paramount. We have 24/7 access to a range of health professionals, including nephrologists, radiologists, cardiologists, neurologists and specialist nurses, to ensure you receive the very highest levels of care at every stage of your patient journey.
We provide a 24/7, consultant-led service that can be accessed directly or via referral from your healthcare provider. Every patient can be assured of a personal service, including a personalised treatment plan and comprehensive aftercare provided directly by our knowledgeable and compassionate team.
Meet our consultants
We work with leading experts who are all supported by the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. Our specialist team of doctors and surgeons includes:
Mr Prodromos Laftsidis
Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead
The Private Patients Unit at the Royal Free Hospital was established in 1980.
The unit is part of the NHS and is wholly owned by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We offer you access to some of Londonโs most experienced specialists, all of whom work as NHS consultants at our facilities.
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