What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a procedure where the surgeon can check the patient's abdomen or pelvis from the inside, without cutting the skin. The entire procedure is also termed minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery. Laparoscopy avoids large cuts on the skin because the instrument known as a laparoscope is used by the surgeon during the process.
A small, illuminated tube with a video camera is used during laparoscopy. This tube reflects the internal images of the pelvis or abdomen on the monitor. Laparoscopy is better than the traditional ways of open surgery. The patient does not have to stay for a long duration in the hospital. They recover fast and do not have
Laparoscopy is minimally intrusive, which is one of its advantages. This indicates that it only makes a tiny cut in the belly. Open surgery typically requires more time, and laparoscopy typically recovers more quickly.
A tiny tissue sample can be collected by laparoscopy for examination (a biopsy). It can also be used to remove organs like the gallbladder or appendix (appendectomy) (cholecystectomy).
Why may a laparoscopy be necessary?
An abdominal laparoscopy can be performed to examine the organs of the abdomen for:
- Growths such as tumours
- Injuries
- Bleeding within the abdomen
- Infections
- Unexplainable abdominal pain
- Blockages
- Other circumstances
When the results of a physical examination, X-ray, or CT scan are unclear, a laparoscopy is frequently performed.
A laparoscopy can be performed to assess the cancerous condition of an abdominal organ. Additionally, it can be performed to examine an abdominal injury. It can determine the location and depth of the damage. Doctors can also examine the level of internal bleeding in the patient.
A gynecologic laparoscopy for women may be used to examine:
- Pelvic discomfort and issues
- Obstetrical cysts
- Fibroids
- Fallopian tubes
Endometriosis can also be treated via laparoscopy. This occurs when the uterus' natural lining begins to protrude outside of the body. A tubal ligation, which involves tying the fallopian tubes, can be performed during laparoscopy to cure an ectopic pregnancy or prevent pregnancy permanently.
What are the risk factors for a laparoscopy?
The incision bleeding, harm to the abdominal organs, or the carbon dioxide gas entering locations other than the abdomen are all examples of potential problems.
A laparoscopy may not always be recommended. This could apply if:
- The patient's abdominal wall has advanced malignant growths.
- They possess chronic long-term tuberculosis
- Bleed easily due to a low blood platelet count, for example (thrombocytopenia)
- Have several adhesions (scar tissue) from prior operations
- Possess a blood thinner prescription
Depending on the patient's medical condition, there can be additional dangers. Before the operation, patients should discuss their concerns with their health experts or doctors.
Laparoscopy cannot be performed efficiently as expected under certain circumstances. These include experiencing abdominal bleeding or being fat.
What happens throughout a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy can be performed as an outpatient procedure or as part of a hospital stay. The test may be conducted in many ways. The patient's condition and the procedures followed by their healthcare professional will determine this.
Typically, a laparoscopy is performed while a patient is unconscious and under general anaesthetic. Depending on the surgery and their general health, their healthcare professional will decide on the anaesthetic kind.
Typically, a laparoscopy goes like this:
- Any jewellery or other things that can obstruct the operation will need to be removed.
- The patient's arm or hand will be used to implant an IV (intravenous) line.
- A tube (a urinary catheter) to collect urine might be inserted into their bladder.
- Just below the belly button, a small cut or incision will be made.
- To accommodate the use of additional surgical instruments, further tiny cuts might be performed.
- The patient's stomach will be filled with carbon dioxide gas, which will cause it to enlarge. Organs and other internal parts will be clearly visible.
- The procedure will be carried out after inserting the laparoscope.
- The laparoscope and other surgical tools will be removed after the laparoscopy and any other operations are completed.
- Surgical staples, tape, or stitches will be used to close the wounds.
- The cut will be covered with a sterile bandage, dressing, or adhesive strips.
After a laparoscopy, what happens?
The patient will be brought to the recovery area after the procedure. Their recovery will depend on the type of anaesthetic they have been given. The patient will be carefully observed. They will be transported to their hospital room once their respiration, pulse, and blood pressure are all stabilized and they are awake. If this was an outpatient procedure, they might be sent home.
To know more about laparoscopy, you can visit Apollo Hospitals in Kondapur.
After a laparoscopy to diagnose a disease, you can likely return to your regular activities in 5 days.
You can moderately ascend stairs. As much as tolerated walking. For six weeks, this is the only sport or exercise permitted.
Cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and endometriosis are among the issues that can be found via a laparoscopy.
Traditional laparoscopic abdominal surgery is performed while the patient is unconscious. When general anesthesia is not recommended, spinal anesthesia is typically preferred.
The laparoscopy may last for 30-60 minutes depending on the issue.
