Minimal invasion, minimal pain

Dr. Dhammike Silva performs first laparoscopic hysterectomy in Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka's first Joint Commission International 'Gold Seal' accredited Durdans Hospital recently introduced an ultra-modern advanced laparoscopic surgery set, which enabled renowned Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Dhammike Silva MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), MRCOG (UK) and International Diploma in Gynaecological Laparoscopy (France) to perform for the first time a complete womb removal surgery at the hospital.

Commenting on the successful surgery, Dr. Dhammike Silva who is also a Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura noted, "Laparoscopic surgical procedures allow surgeons the precision to perform otherwise complicated open surgeries. The technology itself is highly advanced and accepted around the world. Specifically in gynecological laparoscopy surgeons now have the capability to perform procedures with an overall risk of complications at the significantly low level of 0.1%."

Laparoscopic or 'minimal invasive surgery' is a highly specialised technique in which surgery in the abdomen area are performed through small incisions with the assistance of a video camera and other specially designed surgical instruments. Furthermore laparoscopic surgery provides a magnified, high resolution picture of the internal organs under a clear light, allowing the surgeon to conduct the surgery with much accuracy than in traditional open surgery.

Since the surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, the patient feels no pain during surgery and lesser discomfort post-surgery. A laparoscope - a medical telescope with a camera attached - is then inserted into the abdomen through a 5 or 10 mm cut in the belly button. Thereafter carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the stomach to expand it and also separate the organs and allow them to be seen clearly by the gynecologist. Gynecological laparoscopy is used for both diagnoses such as taking tissue samples for biopsy and for treatment.

Durdans Hospital, Director Medical Services Dr. Wimal Jayantha stated "Laparoscopic surgeries have great benefits including significantly less pain, less blood loss, fewer complications, less scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times."

The hospital offers a range of laparoscopic surgeries including for ovarian diseases including cyst removal and reconstruction, removal of fibroids, womb removal, and endometriosis.

Newly introduced procedures include bowel surgery and appendectomies.