Hidden realities of laparoscopic surgery in a tech-driven age

In conversation with Avneet Kaur, Dr Dinesh Verma, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon shares his insights into the evolving landscape of laparoscopic surgery, its benefits, limitations, and misconceptions surrounding it.

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I believe robotic-assisted surgeries are extremely beneficial in specific, complex cases such as radical prostatectomies, certain gastrointestinal procedures, and gynaecological cancers.

However, their advantages are frequently overstated when it comes to routine surgeries like gallbladder removals, hernia repairs and common hysterectomies. In fact, robotic surgery is largely overhyped in routine laparoscopic surgeries. The high cost and sophisticated equipment often offer limited additional benefit in these standard procedures. Yet, both hospitals and patients increasingly believe in their superiority.

One persistent myth I encounter regularly is the idea that laparoscopic surgery is always minor, painless and completely free of risk. Many patients think it guarantees a quick recovery and zero complications, but the reality is that laparoscopic surgeries carry risks just like any other surgery. There is always a possibility of infection, bleeding, post-operative pain and sometimes the procedure may need to be converted to open surgery for patient safety. Conversion is not a failure—it is a clinical decision taken to safely complete the operation. I often tell my patients that laparoscopic surgery is like entering a room through a window rather than breaking a wall—it’s less invasive but still a serious operation.

We have seen a sharp increase in gallbladder surgeries and hernia repairs, driven by a rise in obesity, unhealthy food habits, and sedentary lifestyles. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, and as a result, these surgeries are becoming more common. Obesity not only increases the likelihood of these conditions but also brings serious complications to the operation table. Obese patients are more prone to diabetes, heart issues, and obstructive sleep apnea, all of which make anaesthesia and surgery more challenging.

These patients also face higher chances of wound infections, breathing problems, delayed recovery, blood clots and longer hospital stays. Obesity creates difficulties for both the surgeon and the anaesthetist. Lifestyle-related diseases are quietly reshaping the daily realities of surgical practice.

Another major shift I have noticed is the changing nature of the patients themselves. Today’s patients often walk in with medical opinions based on what they’ve seen on YouTube or read on Google. It has become common for patients to request specific surgical methods they have watched in carefully edited online videos that typically show only perfect outcomes, leaving out the risks and complications. I always remind my patients that those videos are edited and usually complication-free. I have to use my clinical judgement and experience to guide them toward what is actually best for them.

As laparoscopic surgery continues to advance and capture public attention, I believe it is important to keep sight of both the potential and the limits of technology. Technology is an aid, not a magic wand. Success still depends on evidence-based medicine, thoughtful surgical planning, and honest conversations that help patients understand the true nature of the procedure.