Overview of the Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy, commonly referred to as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to look for issues within the abdomen or a woman’s reproductive system. The medical professional uses a laparoscope, a long, narrow tube with a front-facing high-intensity light and camera. A small incision is used to insert it into the abdomen. As it moves, the camera sends images to a video monitor.
Why is a Laparoscopy Performed?
A wide variety of illnesses that develop inside the abdomen or pelvis can be diagnosed as a result of laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery may be used to identify tumours, blockages, unexplained bleeding, and infections in patients with abdominal problems.
It is used to treat various conditions in women such as:
- Fibroids- non-cancerous uterine growths.
- Ovarian Cysts- Cysts filled with fluid in or on the surface of the ovary.
- Pelvic Prolapse- A condition in which the reproductive organs can collapse into or out of the vagina.
- Endometriosis- Condition in which the uterine lining tissues spread outside of the uterus.
It may be also used to:
- Eliminate an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus. It cannot be sustained by a fertilised egg and may endanger the life of a pregnant woman.
- Perform a hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus.
- Perform a tubal ligation (blocking the woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy)
- Treat urinary problems.
Preparing for Laparoscopy:
Follow these instructions before your laparoscopic appointment:
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you could be, you should tell your doctor.
- If you are currently taking anticoagulants, the doctor might advise you to stop.
- 6–12 hours prior to the procedure, you shall need to fast and avoid alcohol and smoking. After the procedure, you may experience some abdominal pain and cramps. It is recommended to have comfortable clothing.
What Happens During Laparoscopy?
The majority of the time, laparoscopy is an outpatient surgery. For this kind of procedure, the patient will be given general anaesthesia.
- The surgeon creates a small incision below your belly button to perform a laparoscopy, after which a cannula is inserted. With the help of this, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide. The gas allows the doctor to observe the internal organs more clearly.
- A tiny tube with a camera attached (laparoscope) will then be introduced through the incision. If a probe or other surgical instruments are required, more minor incisions might be made.
- A computer screen will display images of the abdominal and pelvic organs as the surgeon moves the laparoscope around the region.
- The surgical instruments and most of the gas will be removed once the treatment is complete. The small incisions will be stitched up.
What to Expect After Laparoscopy?
The patient can usually return home the same day after a laparoscopy. Two to three weeks are needed for complete recovery. However, the length of the recovery process depends on the person’s overall health.
- One may have mild, moderate to severe pain and throbbing where incisions were made during the recovery period.
- Post-surgery, shoulder pain is quite common as the carbon dioxide gas typically causes pain.
- The doctor advises the patient to wear loose-fitting clothing, get more sleep, and start doing light activities to prevent the risk of blood clots.
Risks of an Abdominal Laparoscopy:
The danger of an abdominal laparoscopy varies from person to person, just like it does with any other type of surgery.
- Complications could include carbon dioxide gas bubbles getting into your veins or arteries.
- It could cause cardiac diseases including hypercapnia, subcutaneous emphysema, or pneumothorax.
- Less common complications include side effects from general anaesthesia, abdominal wall inflammation, and blood clots that could further extend to your pelvis, legs, or lungs.
- Damage to an organ, such as your intestines or bladder, could result in the loss of organ function and cause additional complications.
When should I see a doctor?
In case you have the symptoms discussed above, we advise you to see a doctor immediately. Or, if you have chronic abdominal pain, want surgical contraception, feel a lump in your abdomen, have heavy menstrual bleeding, or have trouble getting pregnant.
Request an appointment at:
Apollo Fertility, Borivali East, Mumbai
Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.
Final Words:
Now that you have read the article, we hope it will help you get answers to all your queries related to Laparoscopy. If you still have doubts, we suggest you talk to a medical expert and express your worries. For that, you can book an appointment at Apollo Fertility.
Smaller wounds in a laparoscopy lessen the chance of infection, blood loss, and postoperative problems. Reduced direct contact between the surgeon and patient lowers the possibility of any microbial transmission. Additionally, it reduces the length of postoperative recovery.
If you experience chest pain, urinary issues, severe vaginal bleeding, redness or heavy bleeding from the incision, contact your doctor immediately.
There are certain guidelines that you should follow for a speedy recovery. These include avoiding things like long baths, swimming, lifting heavy equipment, wearing tight clothes and vigorous exercises.
