Laparoscopic & General Surgery in Pokhara — A&B International Hospital
Surgical care in Pokhara reached a new standard with the establishment of dedicated laparoscopic and general surgery services at A&B International Hospital. Minimally invasive surgery — smaller incisions, faster recovery, less pain — is now accessible to residents of Pokhara and the Gandaki region without the need to travel to Kathmandu.
What Surgical Services Are Available at A&B International Hospital?
A&B International Hospital provides both laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open general surgery across a full range of abdominal, soft tissue, and endocrine procedures. The surgical department also covers 24/7 emergency surgery for abdominal emergencies, trauma, and acute surgical conditions.
Laparoscopic procedures performed:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Laparoscopic appendectomy (appendix removal)
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP and TAPP techniques)
- Laparoscopic umbilical and incisional hernia repair
- Laparoscopic diagnostic laparoscopy (investigation of abdominal pain, suspected pathology)
- Laparoscopic adhesiolysis (division of abdominal adhesions)
Open general surgery:
- Open cholecystectomy (when laparoscopic approach is contraindicated)
- Open appendectomy (perforated appendix with diffuse peritonitis)
- Open hernia repair (Lichtenstein mesh technique for inguinal hernia)
- Exploration laparotomy for abdominal trauma or emergency
- Bowel resection for obstruction or perforation
Thyroid and neck surgery:
- Total and partial thyroidectomy
- Excision of thyroid nodule or cyst
- Lymph node biopsy
Anorectal surgery:
- Hemorrhoidectomy (open and stapled hemorrhoidopexy)
- Fistulotomy and fissurectomy
- Pilonidal sinus excision
Soft tissue and skin surgery:
- Excision of lipoma, cyst, and skin mass
- Wound debridement
- Skin grafting
What Are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery Over Open Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions (0.5–1.5 cm) through which a camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted. The surgeon operates while viewing a magnified image on a monitor. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create working space.
Advantages of laparoscopic over open surgery:
| Parameter | Laparoscopic | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | 3–4 small ports (0.5–1.5 cm each) | One large incision (6–20 cm) |
| Hospital stay | Often same-day or 1 night | 3–7 days typically |
| Post-op pain | Significantly less | Higher, requires stronger analgesia |
| Return to work | 1–2 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Wound infection risk | Low | Higher |
| Scar | Minimal | Visible, longer |
| Recovery to normal activity | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
These advantages are particularly meaningful for working adults in Nepal whose income stops when they stop working.
Who Are the Surgeons at A&B International Hospital?
A&B International Hospital’s surgical team consists of qualified general and laparoscopic surgeons with formal surgical training and documented experience in minimally invasive procedures. Surgeon experience is the most important determinant of laparoscopic surgery safety and outcome.
The surgical team is supported by trained surgical assistants, scrub nurses, and anesthesiologists. All theatre staff follow WHO Surgical Safety Checklist protocols for every procedure.
What Pre-Operative Workup Is Required Before Surgery at A&B?
Every surgical patient undergoes a standardized pre-operative evaluation to ensure fitness for surgery and anesthesia. The specific tests required depend on the procedure, the patient’s age, and any existing medical conditions.
Standard pre-operative tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC) — to detect anemia or infection
- Blood group and cross-match — for procedures with bleeding risk
- Coagulation profile (PT/INR) — clotting status
- Blood urea and creatinine — kidney function for fluid and drug management
- Blood glucose — particularly in diabetic patients
- Chest X-ray — for patients over 40 years or with respiratory symptoms
- ECG — for patients over 40 years or with cardiac history
- Liver function tests — for hepatobiliary surgery
Condition-specific tests:
- Ultrasound abdomen — gallstones, hernia, appendicitis confirmation
- CT scan abdomen — complex cases, surgical planning, suspected malignancy
- Thyroid function tests and ultrasound — before thyroid surgery
- Colonoscopy or barium enema — before bowel surgery
The anesthesiologist reviews all pre-op results, assesses the patient in consultation, and determines anesthetic technique (general, spinal, or regional).
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic abdominal surgery requires general anesthesia — the patient is fully unconscious with controlled breathing support. This is because the carbon dioxide gas used to insufflate the abdomen elevates the diaphragm and would impair breathing in a conscious patient.
Spinal anesthesia is used for some open inguinal hernia repairs and anorectal procedures. Local anesthesia with sedation is appropriate for minor soft tissue procedures.
The anesthesiology team at A&B monitors vital signs throughout the procedure and manages post-operative pain through multimodal analgesia protocols designed to minimize opioid requirement and enable faster recovery.
What Post-Operative Care Is Provided After Surgery at A&B?
Post-operative care at A&B International Hospital follows enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles where applicable — early mobilization, early oral feeding, and minimized intravenous fluids.
Standard post-op care:
- Vital sign monitoring for 2–4 hours in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)
- Pain assessment and IV/oral analgesia
- Anti-nausea medication for the first 12–24 hours
- Early ambulation — patients are encouraged to walk the same evening for laparoscopic procedures
- Wound check before discharge
- Discharge instructions including wound care, diet progression, activity restrictions, and warning signs
Discharge summary, medication prescription, and follow-up appointment details are provided at discharge.
Are Surgical Procedures Covered Under ECHS at A&B International Hospital?
A&B International Hospital is ECHS empanelled. Eligible ex-servicemen and their dependants can access both emergency and elective surgical procedures under ECHS cashless benefits where procedure categories and scheme rules are met.
ECHS patients should:
- Register at the ECHS desk before elective surgery with service card and referral documents.
- For emergency surgery, present ECHS documentation after stabilization — ECHS desk handles post-admission processing.
- Confirm specific procedure coverage with the ECHS desk, as some implants and specialized equipment may have partial coverage limits.
Is There 24/7 Surgical Emergency at A&B?
Yes. A&B International Hospital maintains 24/7 emergency surgical capability. Conditions such as perforated appendix, strangulated hernia, bowel obstruction, abdominal trauma, and penetrating injuries are managed at any hour by the on-call surgical team.
Emergency surgical cases proceed directly to the operating theatre after initial stabilization in the emergency department. Theatre staff are on-call and the anaesthesia team is available around the clock.
Expert Surgical Care in Pokhara — Book a Consultation
A&B International Hospital
Pokhara-02, Bindhyaabasini Way to Sarangkot
Phone: +977 061-412512
Website: abinthospital.com
Laparoscopic and open general surgery. Thyroid and anorectal surgery. 24/7 surgical emergency. ECHS empanelled. Consult our surgical team before your next step — call +977 061-412512.
