Laparoscopic Surgery in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a way of operating inside the abdomen through several small cuts instead of one long one. The surgeon passes a thin camera and slim instruments through these openings and works while watching the view on a screen. It is an approach, not a single operation, and the same technique is used for a range of different procedures. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah, the cuts are usually between 5 and 12 millimetres, and gas is used to lift the abdominal wall so there is room to see and work.
What it is used for
Keyhole surgery is used for many operations on the abdomen and pelvis. Common ones include repairing a hernia, removing the gallbladder, taking out the appendix, and parts of bowel and gynaecological surgery. It suits planned operations well, and it is often possible in urgent cases too. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah, the aim is to choose the least invasive route that will treat the problem safely, so keyhole is offered where the evidence and your particular anatomy support it. Some situations still call for open surgery, and the following sections explain how that decision is reached with you.
How the approach is chosen for you
The choice between keyhole and open surgery is made for you as an individual, not by habit. Your surgeon weighs the operation itself, your previous surgery, any scarring inside the abdomen, your other health conditions and what the scans show. Extensive earlier surgery or dense adhesions can make keyhole harder and less safe, and some emergencies and certain body shapes point towards an open operation from the start. Ask your surgeon which approach is planned and why. The answer should fit your case, not a general rule.
What happens
Before the operation you will have tests to plan it, which may include blood tests and imaging. The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic, and the anaesthetist will review your history and any past anaesthetic problems. Once you are asleep, the surgeon makes the small cuts, places the camera and instruments, and carries out the operation while watching the screen. Gas gently inflates the abdomen to create space. When the work is finished, the instruments come out and the small wounds are closed with stitches, clips or glue. Your surgeon will explain the specific steps for your operation beforehand.
Preparing for it
Your team will tell you which medicines to pause or continue, with particular care over blood thinners, and how long to fast before the anaesthetic. Follow the fasting instructions exactly, because a missed one can cancel your slot. Tell your surgeon about your health conditions, allergies and past operations, as previous abdominal surgery affects the plan. Arrange time off work and, for a day case, someone to drive you home and stay the first night. This is the time to ask about the approach, the recovery and the alternatives at Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah.
Afterwards
Some soreness around the small wounds, bloating, and shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas are all normal for a short while and settle on their own. Many keyhole operations are day cases, so you may go home the same day with written instructions. Take it gently, keep the wounds clean and dry as advised, and build activity back up gradually. Your surgeon will give you a timeline for your case rather than a fixed date. Contact us or seek urgent care if you develop a fever, increasing rather than easing pain, redness or discharge from a wound, persistent vomiting, or a swollen, hard belly, as these need prompt review.
Risks and limitations
Every operation carries risk. Laparoscopic surgery can involve bleeding, infection, a reaction to the anaesthetic, and, rarely, injury to a nearby organ or blood vessel. Whether keyhole is right depends on the person. Where scarring, anatomy or a difficult emergency make it unsafe, open surgery is the better choice. Sometimes this only becomes clear once the operation is under way, and the surgeon converts from keyhole to open to finish the operation safely. This is a judgement made in your favour, not a complication, and it is discussed with you beforehand so it is never a surprise.
Cost and insurance
Laparoscopic surgery usually needs pre-approval from your insurer, covering the operation, the anaesthetic, the hospital stay and follow-up. Start the approval early, as it is a common cause of delay before an operating date. Some plans require evidence that other treatments were tried first, and items such as a private room may not be covered. Coverage varies between policies and can change, so confirm exactly what your plan includes with Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah on 06 599 7777 before scheduling your surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
What does laparoscopic surgery mean?
Laparoscopic surgery means operating inside the abdomen through several small cuts using a camera and fine instruments, instead of making one long incision, which is why it is also called keyhole surgery.
Which operations can be done by keyhole surgery?
Keyhole surgery is used for many abdominal and pelvic operations, including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendix removal, and some bowel and gynaecological procedures, though the surgeon confirms whether it suits your particular case.
Is laparoscopic surgery safer than open surgery?
For many planned operations keyhole surgery brings less pain, a shorter stay and a quicker return to normal activity, but it is not right for every person or situation, and open surgery is safer where there is heavy scarring or a difficult emergency.
Why might my surgeon switch to open surgery during the operation?
Your surgeon may switch to open surgery if the view or the anatomy makes keyhole unsafe to continue, which is a decision made in your favour to finish the operation safely, not a mistake, and it is discussed with you before you consent.
Will I have scars after keyhole surgery?
You will have a few small scars from the keyhole cuts, usually between 5 and 12 millimetres, and they tend to fade over the first year, though scarring differs between people and skin types.
How long will recovery take after laparoscopic surgery?
Recovery differs by operation and by person, so your surgeon will give you a timeline for your case rather than a fixed date, and keyhole surgery generally allows an earlier return to normal activity than open surgery.
Will I need to stay in hospital overnight?
Many laparoscopic operations at Dar Al Kamal Hospital in Sharjah are day cases, so you may go home the same day, but some operations or health conditions mean an overnight stay, and your surgeon will tell you what to expect for yours.
When should I call the hospital after keyhole surgery?
Call the hospital or seek urgent care after keyhole surgery if you have a fever, pain that is increasing rather than easing, redness or discharge from a wound, repeated vomiting, or a hard swollen abdomen, as these need prompt review.
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