What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a procedure used to check the organs in the abdomen and can also check a woman's pelvic organs.
Laparoscopic surgery may be used to take a small tissue sample for testing and can be used to remove organs such as the appendix or the gallbladder.
Why would a laparoscopy need to be performed?
An abdominal laparoscopy can be done to check the abdomen and its organs for:
- Tumors and other growths
- Injuries
- Bleeding inside the abdomen
- Infections
- Abdomen pains that cannot be explained
- Blockages
- Other conditions
For women, a gynecologic laparoscopy may be used to check:
- Pelvic pain and problems
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- The fallopian tubes
A laparoscopy can also be used to treat endometriosis; this is when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it. Laparoscopies may be done to treat an ectopic pregnancy or to do a tubal ligation (tie the fallopian tubes) to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Benefits of laparoscopy
- Laparoscopies are minimally invasive which means a very small cut is made in your abdomen
- A laparoscopy usually takes less time and has a faster recovery than open surgery
Sometimes a laparoscopy is not advised; this may be the case if you:
- Have advanced cancerous growths on your abdominal wall
- Have chronic tuberculosis
- Have a bleeding problem such as log blood platelet count
- Have a lot of scar tissue from other surgeries
- Are taking blood-thinning medicine
Risks of laparoscopy
Possible complications may include
- Bleeding from the incision,
- Injury to the organs in the abdomen
- Carbon dioxide gas entering places other than the abdomen
There may be other risks depending on your medical condition; be sure to talk about any concerns with your provider before the procedure.
Certain conditions may stop a laparoscopy from working well; this includes being obese or having bleeding in your abdomen.
What to expect
A laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera; the tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your abdomen, and the images from the video camera can be seen on a computer screen.
A laparoscopy may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital; the way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your physician’s practices.
A laparoscopy is generally done while you are asleep under general anesthesia; your physician will choose the type base on the procedure and your overall health.
How a Laparoscopy is Performed
A laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera; the tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your abdomen, and the images from the video camera can be seen on a computer screen.
Why Would A Laparoscopy Need To Be Performed?
For women, a gynecologic laparoscopy may be used to check:
- Pelvic pain and problems
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- The fallopian tubes
A laparoscopy can also be used to treat endometriosis; this is when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it. Laparoscopies may be done to treat an ectopic pregnancy or to do a tubal ligation (tie the fallopian tubes) to permanently prevent pregnancy.