Key hole liver surgery performed in Bangalore hospital

"This kind of surgery is the first of its kind in Karnataka ... the right lobe of patient's liver was completely removed by avoiding a major open resection of liver," Dr G Srikanth of BGS Hospitals, who led the team, told reporters here today.

Laparoscopy or keyhole surgery is a type of procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube (laparoscope) is inserted, he said. The surgery was performed through five small incisions of 0.5 inch each and the right lobe of liver was removed through a 2.5 inch incision, he said.

On the benefits of keyhole surgery, he said it minimised pain, fever complications and helped early recovery.  "The pattient could walk comfortably the day after surgery. He made quick recovery and was fit for discharge in six days after surgery," Srikanth said.

Replying to a query, Srikanth said the number of centres in the country offering keyhole liver surgery was minimal. He said the surgery would cost between Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs two lakh.