Laparoscopy – A Safe Option for High-Risk Patients

Laparoscopy is often a blessing for patients with high-risk medical conditions such as anemia, obesity, or diabetes mellitus. These patients generally have compromised healing systems, making traditional open surgery more risky and less suitable.

One of the major benefits of laparoscopic surgery is the reduction in blood loss. This becomes especially important in patients with thrombocytopenia, where low platelet counts and delayed clotting increase the risk of severe bleeding. Many such patients with conditions like ITP, hypersplenism, or chronic liver disease are often denied surgery due to these risks.

However, with due precautions, careful planning, and informed high-risk consent, laparoscopy can still be safely attempted.

A Recent Case

We recently managed a female patient who had persistently low platelet counts (50,000–60,000) for the past 10 years. She had been suffering from menorrhagia for many years and had tried multiple treatments, including medical management for over a year, but without relief.

After thorough counseling and explaining all possible risks to the family, we decided to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

• Prophylactic FFP and platelet transfusions were administered.

• Surgery went smoothly with expected but controlled blood loss.

• Most importantly, the patient recovered well and was discharged in a stable condition.

This case was kindly referred to us by Dr. Pranit Sungare Sir (Narwad), and we are glad to share a short video of the surgery.