How Lifestyle Habits Can Lead to Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures

Dr.Shailendra Jain, 2 mins read

Managing a healthy lifestyle involves eating a balanced diet, being constantly active, and staying away from harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol intake. These can help reduce the risk of developing conditions that may demand surgical intervention like laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure which is designed to examine the organs inside the belly (abdomen). It is also used to examine a woman’s pelvic organs (organs located in the pelvic cavity, such as bladder, rectum, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, urethra, bowel and anus). It is generally safer than traditional surgery because it is less invasive.

The procedure involves the use of a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is referred to as a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut (incision) in your belly. The video camera images can be seen on a computer screen. It often takes less time, allowing a faster recovery compared to open (traditional) surgery.
Also called keyhole surgery because in this procedure, a surgeon uses two to four small cuts, which are usually not more than a half-inch long, in your belly or pelvic area.

Factors that can lead to conditions requiring laparoscopic surgery are:

1. Poor diet: A diet high in saturated fats and low in fibre can contribute to conditions like gallstones and diverticulitis (inflammation in the large intestine), both of which may necessitate laparoscopic surgery.
2. Obesity: It poses a significant risk factor for various health conditions, such as gallstones, hernias, and certain cancers (like uterine cancer).
3. Lack of physical activity: Poor lifestyles lead to obesity and increase the risk of developing conditions like hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease. These conditions may require laparoscopic repair or treatment.
4. Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing various conditions which require surgery, such as certain types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer, esophageal) and gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
5. Alcohol consumption: Excessive amount of alcohol can lead to liver conditions like cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease. These conditions may require surgery, including liver resection or biopsy, which is often performed laparoscopically.
6. Reproductive health factors: Laparoscopy procedures are required for treating conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ectopic pregnancies.

Preventive Measures:

We should adopt the following lifestyle habits to lower the risk of conditions that might require laparoscopic surgery:

1. Maintaining a balanced diet: Take a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and reduce the intake of processed foods and unhealthy fats.
2. Engaging in regular physical activity:
   This includes aerobic exercises to maintain a healthy weight and improve abdominal muscle tone.
3. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption:
   Quit smoking and moderate alcohol consumption can help to minimise risks associated with respiratory, circulatory, and gastrointestinal issues.
4. Managing stress effectively:
   Stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, or regular exercise can be helpful to promote overall well-being.