If you have been advised to consider surgery, you may want to understand whether a minimally invasive procedure is suitable for your condition, what happens during surgery and how long recovery might take. These questions are important when comparing treatment options and preparing for a surgical consultation.
Dr. V. Preethi Karthikeyan, MBBS, M.S. (General Surgery), FMAS, is a female surgeon whose stated areas of focus include laparoscopic surgery, laser procedures, proctology and breast surgery. Patients looking for a female laparoscopic surgeon in Chennai can enquire about a consultation to discuss their symptoms, diagnosis and appropriate surgical options.
Laparoscopic surgery, often called keyhole surgery, uses a camera and specialised instruments introduced through small incisions. It may be suitable for certain abdominal operations, but the right approach depends on the condition, the patient's health and the surgeon's clinical assessment.
The first step is to understand your diagnosis and whether surgery is necessary. A consultation can help clarify the available options, their potential benefits and risks, and what to expect before and after a procedure.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a surgeon uses a small camera, called a laparoscope, and specialised instruments to perform selected operations through small incisions. The camera displays the internal area on a monitor, allowing the surgical team to view the operating field.
Compared with some open operations, laparoscopic procedures may involve smaller incisions and may allow a quicker recovery for suitable patients. However, outcomes and recovery vary according to the operation, the patient's health and whether complications occur.
A laparoscopic operation generally involves the following 5 stages:
The surgeon reviews your symptoms, medical history, examination findings and relevant investigations to formulate a safe surgical plan.
The anaesthesia team assesses your health and explains the appropriate anaesthesia plan. Many abdominal laparoscopic operations require general anaesthesia.
The surgeon creates small openings to introduce the laparoscope camera and precision surgical instruments with minimal tissue disturbance.
The surgeon views the magnified surgical field on a high-definition monitor and performs the planned procedure with delicate precision.
The instruments are carefully removed, the tiny incisions are closed as appropriate, and you are closely monitored during immediate postoperative recovery.
The exact steps, duration and postoperative arrangements depend on the specific procedure.
Laparoscopic surgery may be recommended when an operation is necessary and a minimally invasive approach is appropriate for the patient's condition.
The decision depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, examination and investigation results, previous surgeries, other medical conditions and the expected benefits and risks of each available approach.
This list describes general uses of laparoscopic surgery. It does not confirm that every procedure is offered by a particular doctor or clinic. Ask the clinic which procedures are available and where the operation would be performed.
The term laparoscopic surgery describes a surgical approach rather than one specific operation. The procedure is named according to the condition or organ being treated.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an operation to remove the gallbladder. It is commonly considered when gallstones cause symptoms or when gallbladder complications require surgery.
Not everyone with gallstones needs surgery. The decision depends on symptoms, complications, overall health and the clinical assessment.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is an operation to remove the appendix when appendicitis is diagnosed and a laparoscopic approach is suitable.
Suspected appendicitis requires urgent medical assessment. Do not delay urgent care to arrange a routine consultation if you have severe abdominal pain.
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue. Some hernias can be repaired laparoscopically, while others may be better suited to open surgery.
A painful hernia that becomes firm or cannot be pushed back requires urgent medical attention.
Diagnostic laparoscopy allows a surgeon to examine structures inside the abdomen using a camera when symptoms and initial tests leave an important diagnostic question unresolved.
Laparoscopic techniques are used for selected operations involving different abdominal organs. During your consultation, ask whether the proposed operation can be performed laparoscopically and what alternatives are available.
For suitable patients, laparoscopic surgery may offer advantages over some comparable open operations. The extent of any benefit depends on the procedure and individual circumstances.
Important note: These benefits are not guaranteed. Laparoscopic surgery still involves anaesthesia, postoperative discomfort and possible complications. Some operations may need to be converted to open surgery for safety.
No. Laparoscopic surgery is not the right approach for every patient or condition. The surgeon may consider:
Preoperative evaluation helps the surgical team understand the condition, assess the patient's health and plan an appropriate procedure.
The surgeon reviews when symptoms began, how often they occur, whether they are worsening and how they affect your daily activities.
Your history covers previous operations, current health conditions, allergies and medications. Tell the doctor about blood-thinning medicines, diabetes medications, and previous anaesthesia issues.
Depending on your condition, recommended tests may include clinical examinations, blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan or other imaging.
The surgeon evaluates all clinical findings to determine if surgery is necessary, which surgical approach is optimal, and what alternatives exist.
The team explains the planned procedure, relevant risks, benefits, alternatives and postoperative guidance, ensuring all your questions are addressed before informed consent.
Preparation varies according to the operation, your medical history and the hospital's instructions.
Do not rely on general online advice for fasting or medication changes. Your surgical team should provide instructions tailored to your procedure and health.
After surgery, the healthcare team monitors your recovery from anaesthesia and checks factors such as pain, nausea, movement, fluid intake and other relevant observations.
Some patients experience temporary symptoms:
Recovery depends on the procedure, surgical extent, and overall health. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding walking, wound care, bathing, lifting, driving and returning to work.
Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness, discharge, worsening pain, persistent vomiting or difficulty passing urine.
Seek emergency medical attention for severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain or significant breathing difficulty.
Laparoscopic surgery is widely performed, but no operation is entirely risk-free. Potential complications include:
Your surgeon and anaesthesia team should explain the risks relevant to your proposed procedure. The benefits, risks and alternatives should be considered together rather than choosing a procedure based only on incision size.
Dr. V. Preethi Karthikeyan holds MBBS, M.S. (General Surgery) and FMAS. Her stated areas of focus include laparoscopic surgery, laser procedures, proctology and breast surgery.
A surgical consultation helps clarify the condition being assessed, why treatment may be needed, whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable, and what alternatives exist.
Confirm which procedure is recommended, where it will be performed, preoperative requirements and postoperative follow-up arrangements.
AD 1, Water Canal Road, opposite Alliance Orchid Springs, near Varasakthi Nagar, Swaminathan Nagar, Puthagaram, Chennai – 600076.
No. 3, TS Krishna Nagar, Mogappair East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600037.
101, Q Block, Anna Nagar 3rd Main Road, Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600040.
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, understanding the available options can help you make an informed decision.
Consultations at Kolathur, Mogappair or Anna Nagar · drpreethisurgeon.com
A laparoscopic surgeon is a surgeon trained to perform selected operations using a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions.
Dr. V. Preethi Karthikeyan is a female surgeon with qualifications MBBS, M.S. (General Surgery) and FMAS. Her stated areas of focus include laparoscopic surgery.
Depending on diagnosis, laparoscopic surgery may be used for gallbladder removal, appendix removal, selected hernia repairs and certain other abdominal procedures.
Laparoscopic surgery may offer smaller incisions and quicker recovery for suitable procedures. The best choice depends on condition, complexity, and patient health.
Anaesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Mild postoperative discomfort around incisions or shoulder area is managed with appropriate medications.
Recovery depends on the procedure and overall health. Some recover relatively quickly after selected operations, while complex procedures take longer.
Laparoscopic surgery is commonly performed and safe, but like all surgical procedures it carries potential risks that your surgeon will discuss with you.
No. Treatment depends on whether gallstones cause symptoms or complications. A surgeon assesses your scans and history to advise whether surgery is needed.
Tests vary by condition and may include routine blood work, ultrasound, CT scan or other imaging after clinical assessment.
Patients can enquire about appointments at the Kolathur, Mogappair and Anna Nagar branches listed on this page.
