Sparsha Infertility Centre | Laproscopy

Laproscopy

Also referred to as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure. Laproscopy is used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It is a low-risk procedure requiring only small incisions. A laparoscope is used to look at the abdominal organs.

When is laparoscopy performed?

Laproscopy is generally performed when noninvasive methods are unable to help with the diagnosis.
Abdominal problems can also be diagnosed with imaging procedures such as:
  • CT Scan - this is a series of special X-rays which takes cross-sectional images of the body
  • Ultrasound - uses high-frequency sound waves to create body images
  • MRI Scan - uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of the body
Laparoscopy may be used to take a sample of tissue, from a particular organ in the abdomen.

Laparoscopy may be advised to examine the following organs:

  • appendix
  • gallbladder
  • liver
  • small intestine and large intestine
  • spleen
  • stomach
  • pancreas
  • pelvic or reproductive organs

By observing these organs, the following can be detected:

  • abdominal mass or tumour
  • any fluid in the abdominal cavity
  • any liver disease
  • effectiveness of certain type of treatments
  • the stage to which a particular cancer has reached

What are the risks involved in laparoscopy?

The most common known risks associated with laparoscopy are bleeding, infection, and damage to organs in the abdomen. Though, these risks are very rare.
After laparoscopy, it’s vital to watch for any signs of infection. Contact the doctor in case you experience:
  • fever or chill
  • abdominal pain that increases over time
  • redness, swelling or bleeding where the laparoscopy was done
  • persistent nausea or vomiting
  • prolonged cough
  • feeling shortness of breath
  • inability to urinate normally
A follow up surgery may be needed to repair any damage which might be caused to the organs during laparoscopy.

The less common risks are:

  • few complications from the general anaesthesia
  • abdominal wall inflammatio
  • blood clot

How to prepare for laparoscopy?

The doctor should be aware about any prescription or over-the-counter medications taken by the patient. The doctor will advice how to taken those medicines, before and after the procedure.
The doctor may change the dosage of any medications post laparoscopy. The drugs/medicines included are:
  • blood tinners such as - anticoagulants
  • NSAIDs, including aspirin or ibuprofen
  • medications that affect clotting
  • herbal supplements / dietary supplements
  • vitamin K
The doctor should know if you’re pregnant or thinking of conceiving.
Prior to laparoscopy, certain tests such as blood tests, urinalysis, EKG or ECG, and chest X-ray may be needed. Certain imaging tests, including an ultrasound, CT / MRI scan mat also be done.
These tests help to better understand the abnormality being examined during laparoscopy and improves the effectiveness of laparoscopy.
Avoid eating and drinking for at least 8 hours before the laparoscopy. It is advised not to drive after the procedure.

How is laparoscopy performed?

Post laparoscopy the patient can go home on the same day.
General anaesthesia is administered for this type of surgery. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted in one of the veins. Through the IV, the anesthesiologist can give special medications and provide hydration.
In certain cases, local anaesthesia is used. Local anaesthetic simply numbs the area, which means that though the patient would be awake during the surgery, they would not feel pain.
During laparoscopy, an incision is made below the belly button and then a small tube called cannula is inserted. The cannula inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This gas allows the doctor to clearly see the abdominal organs.
Once the abdomen is inflated, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope through the incision. The camera attached to the laparoscope displays the images on a screen, allowing the organs to be viewed clearly.
Generally, 1-4 incisions, each between 1 and 2 centimetres in length are made.
After the procedure, the instruments are removed. The incisions are closed with stitches or a surgical tape and the area bandaged.

What is the recovery time post laparoscopy?

After the surgery, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours before being discharged. Breathing and heart rate, is monitored closely. Any adverse reactions to anaesthesia, or prolonged bleeding is also observed closely.
Depending on the recovery post the procedure, discharge is generally on the same day. In certain cases though an overnight stay may be needed.

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