Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that healthcare providers use to assess the organs in the abdomen, as well as the pelvic structures in women.
The procedure involves using a tiny, illuminated tube called a laparoscope, which is equipped with a video camera. The tube is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen, and the video camera pictures are transmitted to the monitor.
The key advantage of laparoscopy is that it requires only a small incision in the abdomen. Moreover, the whole procedure is shorter, and the recovery period is faster than that of traditional or open surgery.
In most cases, doctors use laparoscopic surgery to remove a small sample of the tissues (biopsy) for further tests. It can be done to take out organs like the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or appendix (appendectomy).
BOOK AN APPOINMENT
A laparoscopic surgery, also referred to as a diagnostic laparoscopy, is performed to assess the abdomen and its structures for various conditions, such as:
This procedure is often recommended when the outcomes from physical exams, CT scans, or X-rays are indecisive or when additional information is required.
Laparoscopy can also help determine the stage of cancer affecting an abdominal organ, assess the extent and location of an abdominal injury, or evaluate the amount of internal bleeding.
A gynecologic laparoscopy can be used to examine the following in women:
Laparoscopic surgery is also commonly used to detect and address endometriosis, a condition where uterine lining tissue develops outside the uterus. Also, laparoscopy can treat ectopic pregnancies or perform tubal ligation for permanent pregnancy prevention.
Additionally, laparoscopy is used to perform bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, which are common treatment procedures for obesity. Your doctor may as well recommend a laparoscopy for other particular medical reasons.
Laparoscopy is a versatile procedure used in various types of surgeries, such as:
In addition to performing surgeries, laparoscopy is also used to diagnose conditions when imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs don’t provide clear results. It enables doctors to examine parts of concern more closely and assess the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain.
Laparoscopy offers numerous advantages compared to traditional surgery. Since it requires smaller incisions, the benefits include:
Normally, traditional surgery may require a hospital stay of a week or even more and a recovery time of 4-8 weeks. However, with laparoscopic surgery, you may only spend two nights in the hospital and fully recover within 2 to 3 weeks.
While laparoscopy is generally less invasive, these complications can still occur:
These occur when the trocar, which is a sharp tool used to break the skin during the procedure, leads to damage. Although rare, such injuries can impact the blood vessels, the bowel, and nerves or result in a port-site hernia.
These are responses to the carbon dioxide used to inflate the abdominal cavity during surgery. Possible complications include carbon dioxide retention, lung collapse, air trapped beneath the skin or within the chest cavity, and hypothermia, which occurs when carbon dioxide isn’t pre-warmed.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks like allergic reactions to anesthesia, adhesions occurring when scar tissue binds organs together or to the abdominal wall, too much bleeding, and wound infections.
In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may not be recommended. This could apply to people who:
Other complications may occur depending on your overall health state. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician before the surgery. Some medical conditions, such as obesity or internal abdominal bleeding, might lower the effectiveness of laparoscopy.
Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you in detail and address any questions you may have. You will need to sign consent forms for both the laparoscopy and anesthesia use. Be sure to read everything thoroughly and ask for clarification if required.
Your healthcare provider will also review your medical history and may conduct a physical exam to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure. Blood tests or other diagnostic tests may also be required.
In addition, you may be required to do the following in preparation for surgery:
Your provider might give you additional instructions based on your specific health condition.
Laparoscopic surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay. The specific steps might vary based on your condition and doctor’s practices. In general, laparoscopy is conducted while you are sleeping and under general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia administered will depend on your procedure and health status.
During laparoscopy, you’ll be required to remove any jewelry or objects that could interfere with the surgery. You will also remove your clothes and change into a gown.
An IV line will be placed into your hand or arm. After that, you will be positioned on your back on the surgical table. An anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the surgery.
If needed, excess hair at the operation site will be shaved. The skin over the site will be cleaned using an antiseptic solution. If general anesthesia is not administered, a local anesthetic will be injected to numb the incision area. A urinary catheter, which is a small tube, may be inserted into your bladder to help drain urine.
To perform the procedure, a small incision is created just over the belly button. Additional small cuts may be made to insert other surgical instruments during surgery. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into your abdomen to inflate it, making it easier to view the organs and structures. The laparoscope is then inserted, and the surgery is conducted.
Once the procedure is finished, the laparoscope and other instruments are removed. The incisions are closed using stitches, skin glue, surgical tape, or staples. A dressing, sterile bandage, or adhesive strip is applied over the incisions.
Following laparoscopic surgery, you will be transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Generally, your recovery will be determined by the type of anesthesia you receive. You’ll be closely monitored, and once your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing stabilize and you’re conscious, you’ll either be taken to the ward or sent home if the surgery was outpatient.
At home, you will need to keep the incision clean and dry at all times. Your doctor will instruct you on proper washing techniques. Stitches or staples will be removed during a follow-up visit. On the other hand, adhesive strips usually fall off on their own over a few days.
You might feel discomfort due to the carbon dioxide gas used during surgery. The pain can persist for some days and could be felt on the shoulders. However, it will gradually improve with time. You can take pain relievers as recommended by your doctor and aspirin or other painkillers that may increase bleeding risk.
If recommended, follow a bowel regimen to prevent constipation, especially if you’re taking pain medications that can slow bowel movements. Also, avoid carbonated beverages for 1–2 days following surgery to minimize discomfort from the gas used. These drinks might as well cause stomach ache.
You may start with clear fluids just a few hours post-surgery and slowly progress to solid foods as advised. If you experience nausea or vomiting, inform your healthcare provider right away.
You may be instructed to limit physical activities for several days to aid recovery.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek immediate care if you experience:
020 3475 8419