Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that uses small incisions to access the abdomen and perform operations. It can also examine a woman’s pelvic organs. Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is called a laparoscope.
Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that gets its name from the laparoscope, a slender tool that has a tiny video camera and light on the end. When a surgeon inserts it through a small cut into your body, they can look at a video monitor and see what’s happening inside you.
One benefit of laparoscopy is that it is minimally invasive. That means it uses a very small cut (incision) in the belly. Laparoscopy often takes less time and has a faster recovery than open (traditional) surgery.
Laparoscopy may be used to take a small tissue sample for testing (a biopsy). It can also be used to remove organs, such as the appendix (appendectomy) or the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
Why might I need a laparoscopy?
An abdominal laparoscopy is sometimes called a diagnostic laparoscopy. It can be done to examine the abdomen and its organs for:
- Tumors and other growths
- Injuries
- Bleeding inside the belly
- Infections
- Pain that can’t be explained
- Blockages
- Other conditions
Laparoscopy may be used to figure out the stage of cancer for an abdominal organ. It may also be used to find where and how deep an abdominal injury is. It can also see how much internal bleeding you have.
For women, a gynecologic laparoscopy may be used to check:
- Pelvic pain and problems
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- The fallopian tubes
Laparoscopy can also be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. This is when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it. Laparoscopy may be done to treat an ectopic pregnancy or to do a tubal ligation (tie the fallopian tubes) to permanently prevent pregnancy.
At Monterrey Bariatric Center laparoscopy can also be used to do bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. According to Dr. Jesus Abraham Vega these procedures have become more common in treating obesity.
There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to suggest a laparoscopy.
What happens during a laparoscopy?
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. It will depend on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.
A laparoscopy is generally done while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. Your provider will choose the type of anesthesia based on the procedure and your overall health.
Generally, a laparoscopy follows this process:
- You’ll be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
- You’ll be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear.
- An IV (intravenous) line will be inserted in your arm or hand.
- You’ll be placed on your back on the operating table.
- The anesthesiologist will continually watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery.
- If there’s too much hair at the surgical site, it will be shaved off.
- The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution.
- A small tube (urinary catheter) may be put into your bladder to drain pee.
- A small cut or incision will be made in your belly just below the belly button.
- More small cuts may be made so that other surgical tools can be used during the procedure.
- Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your belly so that it swells up. This makes it easier to see organs and other structures.
- The laparoscope will be put in and the procedure will take place.
- Once the laparoscopy and any other procedures are done, the laparoscope and other surgical tools will be taken out.
- The cuts will be closed with stitches, tape, skin glue, or surgical staples.
- A sterile bandage, dressing, or adhesive strips will be applied.