A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to inspect and operate on the organs inside the abdominal (belly) and pelvic area. Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, by viewing the internal organs or taking a tissue sample (biopsy). It may also be used to treat a problem surgically at the same time.
AΒ laparoscopyΒ is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon accesses the inside of your abdomen. It is also known as keyhole surgery.
LaparoscopyΒ is usually performed using an instrument called a laparoscope.Β A laparoscope is a small tube with a light source and a camera.Β It enables your doctor in obtaining biopsy samples and carrying out treatment of abdomen-related problems without having to make large incisions. Thatβs whyΒ laparoscopyΒ is also referred to as minimally invasive surgery.
When imaging tests like an MRI scan, CT scan, ultrasound, etc., fail to detect the cause of a problem βΒ laparoscopyΒ is conducted to diagnose and identify the cause of an issue related to the abdomen.
Your healthcare practitioner may suggest aΒ laparoscopyΒ to look for a problem in the organs, like:
Your doctor may find the following issues by using a laparoscope while examining the above areas:
AΒ laparoscopyΒ has numerous benefits. It not only helps your doctor diagnose but also assists your doctor carry out the necessary treatments.
You will need to provide details of your medical history to your doctor. Also, you will be asked to undergo blood tests and a physical evaluation to ensure that you are fit to go forΒ laparoscopyΒ and do not suffer from any condition that can make it complicated.
Your doctor will explain theΒ laparoscopy procedureΒ to you in detail. You can put up your queries during this time. You will need to sign a consent form to be able to proceed with the surgery.
Besides this, you should avoid drinking, eating, and smoking around 12 hours before the operation. Also, since you will probably feel drowsy after the operation and wonβt be allowed to drive, it is best to ensure that someone is present to pick you up once you are dismissed from the hospital.
Once the procedure is initiated, you will be asked to remove all the jewellery and wear a gown. Forthwith, you will need to lie back on the operation bed, and an IV (intravenous) line will be implanted in your arm.
General anaesthesia will be transferred through the IV line to ensure you donβt feel discomfort during the operation and sleep through it. Your anesthesiologist can also administer specific drugs, hydrate you with fluids via the IV and check your heart rate and oxygen levels.
Once the prerequisites forΒ laparoscopyΒ are done, an incision is made to insert a cannula in your abdomen. Then, with the help of the cannula, your abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas. With this gas, your doctor can examine your abdominal organs more clearly.
Your surgeon, through this incision, inserts the laparoscope. Your organs can now be seen on the monitor screen. This is because the camera attached to the laparoscope projects the images onto the screen.
At this stage, ifΒ laparoscopyΒ is used to diagnose β your surgeon will carry out the diagnosis. On the other hand, if the procedureΒ is used to treat any kind of condition, your surgeon may make more incisions (around 1-4 between 2-4 cm). This will enable the surgeon to insert more tools to carry out the treatment procedure.
Once the operation is complete, the tools inserted will be taken out, and your incisions will be stitched up and bandaged.
You will be kept under close observation afterΒ laparoscopyΒ for a few hours. In the meantime, your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate will be checked, and tests will be taken.Β Once you are awake and there is no complication present, you will be discharged from the hospital.
At home, you will need to keep the incisions clean and dry. For this, you need to follow all the instructions about bathing received from your doctor properly.
The carbon dioxide gas that is still inside you could hurt. Your shoulders may feel sore for few days. Also, you can experience slight pain and discomfort around the areas where the incisions have taken place.
To combat this pain β you should take the medication prescribed on time. You will progressively get better, provided you refrain from exercising for a few days.
AlthoughΒ laparoscopyΒ is a safe and effective surgical procedure, still, like any other surgery, the following complications can arise:
As with any operation, there is also a small risk of complications associated with general anaesthesia.
Notify the hospital or your doctor immediately if you have:
LaparoscopyΒ is an effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of abdomen-related diseases. So, if you suffer from any abdomen disease and wish to undergo laparoscopy, you can reach out to the skilled doctors at Birla Fertility and IVF. They have a team of leading fertility specialists, other doctors, and support staff.
The clinic aims to provide excellent healthcare services. Moreover, the clinic maintains advanced tools for testing and treatment. They have nine centers across northern India sharing an outstanding success rate.
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