Laparoscopy: everything you need to know

Laparoscopy (or peritoneoscopy) is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the abdomen or pelvic cavities to diagnose or treat a number of different diseases and conditions. The advantage of laparoscopy is that only a small incision is required.

Laparoscopy examines the inside of the abdomen or pelvic cavity using a thin tube (laparoscope) inserted through a small incision. The laparoscope contains cameras.

The laparoscope transmits images to a video screen in the operating room. Before laparoscopy was introduced, doctors had to make large holes and cut through layers of tissue to examine internal organs. Laparoscopy significantly reduces patient recovery time.

Problems diagnosed by laparoscopy

Some of the many problems that can be diagnosed with a laparoscope or a laparoscope include:

1. Female Infertility - Laparoscopy allows doctors to check for problems such as scar tissue, endometriosis, and fibroids, and to find out if the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are abnormal.
2. Other problems of the female reproductive system - including the pelvic floor and vaginal prolapse. Some types of hysterectomy can also be performed using laparoscopic surgery.
3. Ectopic pregnancy - embryo lodges and growth in the fallopian tube. The developing embryo will eventually rupture the fallopian tube.
4. Adhesion is the presence of scar tissue in the pelvic cavity.
5. Urinary System Disorders - Laparoscopy can be used to examine or treat malignant kidney conditions, ureteral blockages, bladder disease, and urinary incontinence.
6. Internal Cancer - Cancers of the liver and pancreas can be diagnosed using laparoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery can be performed for some colorectal cancers.
7. Ascites or fluids inside the abdomen. Laparoscopy can help determine the cause.
8. Other problems - diseased organs (such as the gallbladder and appendix) can be removed with laparoscopy and hernias can be repaired.

Medical issues to consider

Before the procedure, you need to discuss a number of issues with the surgeon, including:

1. Probable outcome of the operation.
2. Potential risks and complications of laparoscopy.
3. Medical history, including allergic reactions to any drugs or previous problems with anesthesia.

Work procedure

Laparoscopy can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the nature of the procedure. After the incision is made (usually near the navel), the laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity. Either carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide gas is then passed into the cavity to separate the abdominal wall from the major organs. This makes it easier to examine the internal organs.

Anywhere between one and three incisions, access to other surgical instruments such as lasers is permitted. Once a diagnosis is made or a problem is resolved (or both), the instruments are removed, gas is released, and the incisions are sutured. Perhaps the stitches can be removed by the doctor at a later stage, otherwise they will dissolve on their own.

Immediately after laparoscopy

After the procedure, you can expect:

1. Soreness around the incision site. You may need pain medication.
2. Shoulder pain caused by pumping gas into the abdomen.
3. Bloating.
4. Nausea.
5. Abdominal cramps.
6. Constipation.
7. For pelvic procedures only, light bleeding or vaginal discharge.
8. Patients are advised not to drive home after laparoscopy due to medication given before the procedure - make sure you have a relative or friend to drive you home from the hospital or call a taxi.
9. Most of the symptoms of laparoscopic surgery go away within a few days - if not, see your doctor.

Possible complications of laparoscopy

The entire procedure carries a certain degree of risk. Some of the possible complications after laparoscopy include:

1. Cardiac arrhythmia.
2. Puncture of internal organs or the main artery (aorta).
3. Bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
4. Blood clots in the veins of the legs.
5. Allergic reactions to anesthesia.
6. Ascites is a temporary leak of fluid from surgical wounds.
7. The need to switch from laparoscopic to open surgery in case of unforeseen complications.
8. Self-care at home.

Follow your doctor's guidance, but general guidelines include:

1. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days or one week.
2. Do not engage in any kind of physical activity for about a week.
3. Remove the bandages the next day. Keep wounds dry.
4. After pelvic laparoscopy, use sanitary napkins instead of tampons to manage any vaginal bleeding or discharge.
5. If you experience severe fever, chills, vomiting, difficulty urinating, increased redness at the incision site, or worsening pain, see your doctor right away.

Laparotomy

A surgical alternative to laparoscopy is open surgery (laparotomy). Instead of several small incisions, the belly is opened with one large incision. The main disadvantages of laparotomy are long hospital stays (up to one week or so) and long recovery times. A person who undergoes open surgery can expect at least six weeks to recover.

Compared to laparoscopy, laparotomy increases the risk of infection and adhesions. The resulting scars from open surgery are more extensive.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy is a procedure for examining the abdomen or pelvic cavities to diagnose or treat a number of different diseases and conditions. Laparoscopy uses a thin tube (laparoscope) inserted through a small incision.

Small incisions allow quick recovery.

Povin I.A.

Similar publications

Some symptoms and their explanation

All about cholesterol

First aid for bleeding