Utilization of Laparoscopic Surgery in Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abstract

Surgery in patients with cirrhosis of the liver is dangerous and risky due to abnormalities in their physiology. However these patients do present with conditions that may require surgical intervention. Laparoscopic surgery is safer for these patients as it mitigates the dangers and complications associated with open surgery, offers shorter operation time and subserves a diagnostic value in its safe use to determine and confirm the pathology of the liver.  The aim of this study is to determine if laparoscopic surgery is dangerous or safe for patients with cirrhosis of the liver. A literature review was  done using search engines viz Hinari, goggle, high wire press and overview of our experiences in patients in university of medical science teaching hospital Ondo. References to our experiences during our subspecialty training at world laparoscopy hospital New-Delhi were also beneficial in the course of this study. The results show that the technique of laparoscopy in all index cases is more favourable than open surgery in cirrhotic patients. We conclude that cirrhosis of the liver does not contraindicate the procedure of laparoscopy.