Q: Please let me know latest types of surgery especially in the case of stomach operations. For example, nowadays stomach operation is possible without cutting the stomach. How much does it cost? In which cities is it available in India? What are the precautions to be taken before one or two months of doing operations? If one has to avoid surgery in case when there is a ball created due to the saliva of dog in stomach of patient, which treatment should be taken?

A:Abdominal surgery may be open or laparoscopic. Open surgery involves access to abdominal organs through an incision usually big enough to accommodate the surgeons hands. Laparoscopic surgery is done by thin instruments inserted in the abdomen by puncture. Laparoscopic surgery is most commonly used for operations on the gall bladder, appendix and for hernia surgery. Its use is being widened today, to include surgery for several other conditions. Laparoscopy is possible for about 10% of all operations in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery is available in most major cities of India. The cost depends on the operation. A gall bladder operation by laparoscopy costs Rs 15000 to 25000 in Delhi in the general ward of a private hospital. The precautions needed before this operation are the same as required for any operation: a proper diagnosis and a complete examination for anaesthesia. A ball in the abdomen from a dogs saliva is called a hydatid. Operations for hydatid disease are sometimes, not always, possible by laparoscopy. Some medicines may work for this disease. PLEASE NOTE: The above information is for your knowledge, and not as a guide to treatment. The answers to your questions should not be taken out of context.