What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis and treatment. That is why experts make a distinction between diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy. The two types can be combined: If the doctor discovers growths in the abdomen, they can be removed right away. The advantage of that is that a second procedure isn't needed.

Laparoscopy can provide more information if other examinations have not found a cause of ongoing symptoms.

It can be used to

• take a closer look at organs in the abdomen and pelvis, and check them for pathological changes,
• take tissue samples to be examined in a laboratory,
• see how advanced a disease is, such as whether a tumor has already spread, or
• decide whether open surgery is needed.

If a diagnosis has already been made, surgery can often be performed right away. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove

• The gallbladder
• The appendix to treat appendicitis
• Abdominal growths
• Diseased or injured sections of the bowel

Therapeutic laparoscopy is also key in treating gynecological diseases such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Because laparoscopy is performed under general anesthetic, it’s important to have an empty stomach for the examination or treatment. That means you cannot eat or drink anything for about 6 to 8 hours beforehand. You might also have to take a laxative depending on the area of your body being examined or operated on.

The doctor will check some of your blood readings before starting the procedure. Your tummy will be shaved and disinfected.

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin very close to the belly button. They pump a harmless gas (usually carbon dioxide) into the abdominal cavity through a special cannula or tube. That inflates the abdomen slightly to make it easier to see and get to the organs.

The surgeon then inserts a tube through the opening in the tummy into the abdomen, and then an instrument with a video camera and lamp (laparoscope) is fed through. The camera is connected to a monitor where the abdominal organs can be seen.

Two more small incisions in the skin are usually needed for surgical procedures. The surgeon then inserts the instruments they need for the procedure through these incisions, too. They might be small forceps, suction devices, or scissors.

The length of the procedure depends on the goal: diagnostic laparoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes, while therapeutic laparoscopy takes a little longer. It depends what is being operated on.

Once the laparoscopy has finished, the surgeon removes the instruments and tubes. The gas escapes from the abdomen. The incisions in the skin are sewn up.

You will be monitored for around 1 to 3 hours while the anesthetic wears off. You will be given painkillers to relieve any pain. Depending on how extensive the surgery was, you might have to stay in the hospital for a few days. After minor procedures, people can usually be picked up and taken home right after the anesthetic wears off.