Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in procedures such as tubal ligation, gallbladder removal or hiatal hernia repair. By using multiple small incisions, each a few centimeters long, the surgeon inserts instruments including a tiny camera.
The camera allows the surgeon to visualize the surgery. These small incisions through the skin, muscle and other tissue, make recovery from laparoscopic surgery quicker compared to conventional open surgical techniques.
It is often performed in the outpatient surgery unit of a hospital. In most cases, patients can return home a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure.
Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. It can also be performed with other types of anesthesia that permit the patient to remain awake.
Laparoscopy is performed in a hospital, under general anesthesia. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery beforehand.
You will probably be told not to eat or drink for 8 or more hours before your scheduled surgery, and you may be instructed to take antibiotics. You'll receive an IV, through which fluids and medication to help you relax will be delivered.
The anesthesiologist will place a mask over your face, and after breathing a sweet smelling gas for a few minutes, you'll fall asleep. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the doctor will make a small incision through your belly button.
The typical pelvic laparoscopy involves a small 1/2 to 3/4 inch incision in the belly button or lower abdomen. Through this cut, a needle will be used to fill your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas.
Carbon dioxide causes the abdomen to swell, which lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs. This provides room for your doctor to see the organs and move the surgical instruments.
Once your abdomen is filled with gas, the surgeon will then place the laparoscope through the cut to look around at your pelvic organs. A laparoscope is a one-half inch fiber-optic rod with a light source and video camera that permits the surgeon to see inside the abdominal area on video monitors located in the operating room.
The surgeon may also biopsy tissue for testing. Depending on the reason for the laparoscopy, the physician may perform surgery through the laparoscope by inserting various instruments into the laparoscope while using the video monitor as a guide.
The video camera also allows the surgeon to take pictures of any problem areas he discovers. Sometimes two or three more small cuts are made, so that other thin surgical instruments can be used to make repairs or move the organs around for a better view.
In some cases, the physician may discover that he is unable to accomplish the goal of surgery through the laparoscope and a full abdominal incision will be made. However, if this is a possibility in your case, your physician will discuss this with you prior to surgery, and the surgical consent form will include this possibility.
Certain women face an increased risk with any surgical procedure including women who smoke, are overweight, who have pulmonary diseases or cardiovascular diseases, as well as women in the late stages of pregnancy or who use certain drugs. If you think you may fall into any of these categories, be sure to discuss your surgical risks with your physician.
Although rare, perforation of the bowel or liver is possible complications that may occur during laparoscopy. Laparoscopy results in relatively little pain, and a quick recovery for most patients.
Patients sometimes experience aches in the shoulders or chest following laparoscopy, which is from the carbon dioxide that was used to fill the abdominal cavity. Although prescription pain killers are often ordered, Tylenol or Advil is usually sufficient for pain relief after this procedure.
Often patients have the procedure on a Friday and are able to return to light work by Monday. Barring complications, most patients are fully recovered and ready to return to full activity one week after laparoscopy.
When you leave the hospital, you will receive personalized instructions about when to call the doctor. Generally, you should call the doctor if you experience fever above 100 F, excessive pain, swelling, or discharge from the wound.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry has worked in surgical equipment sales for the past 15 years. He has great advice and information on an Electrosurgery Generator.
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