What Is Laparoscopy?

laproscopy set

Laparoscopy, also known as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure. Only small incisions are made.
Laparoscopy uses an instrument called a laparoscope to look at the abdominal organs. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor.
Laparoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your body in real time, without open surgery. Your doctor also can obtain biopsy samples during this procedure.
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Why Is Laparoscopy Performed?

Laparoscopy is often used to identify and diagnose the source of abdominal or pelvic pain. It’s usually performed when other, noninvasive methods are unable to help with diagnosis.
In many cases, abdominal problems can also be diagnosed with imaging techniques such as:
• ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body
• CT scan, which is a series of special X-rays that take cross-sectional images of the body
• MRI, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of the body
Laparoscopy is performed when these tests don’t provide enough information or insight for a diagnosis. The procedure may also be used to take a biopsy, or sample of tissue, from a particular organ in the abdomen.
Your doctor may recommend laparoscopy to examine the following organs:
• appendix
• gallbladder
• liver
• pancreas
• small and large bowel
• spleen
• stomach
• pelvic or reproductive organs
By observing these areas with a laparoscope, your doctor can detect:
• an abdominal mass or tumor
• fluid in the abdominal cavity
• liver disease
• the effectiveness of certain treatments
• the degree to which a particular cancer has progressed
What Are the Risks of Laparoscopy?

The most common risks associated with laparoscopy are bleeding and infection. However, these are rare occurrences.
After your procedure, it’s important to watch for any signs of infection. Contact your doctor if you experience:
• stomach pain that becomes more intense over time
• chills
• fever
• redness, swelling, bleeding, or drainage at the incision sites
• continuous nausea or vomiting
• persistent cough
• shortness of breath
• inability to urinate
• lightheadedness
There’s also a small risk of damage to the organs being examined during laparoscopy. Blood and other fluids may leak out into your body if an organ is punctured. In this case, you’ll need other surgery to repair the damage.
Other, less common risks include:
• complications from general anesthesia
• inflammation of the abdominal wall
• a blood clot, which could travel to your pelvis, legs, or lungs
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How Do I Prepare for Laparoscopy?

You should tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Your doctor will tell you how they should be used before and after the procedure.
Your doctor may change the dose of any medications that could affect the outcome of laparoscopy. These drugs include:
• anticoagulants, such as blood thinners
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin or ibuprofen
• other medications that affect blood clotting
• herbal or dietary supplements
• vitamin K
You should also tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This will reduce the risk of harm to your developing baby.
Before laparoscopy, your doctor may order blood tests, urinalysis,electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), and chest X-ray. Your doctor might also perform certain imaging tests, including an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
These tests can help your doctor better understand the abnormality being examined during laparoscopy. The results also give your doctor a visual guide to the inside of your abdomen. This can improve the effectiveness of laparoscopy.
You’ll probably need to avoid eating and drinking for at least eight hours before laparoscopy. You should also arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure. Laparoscopy is often performed using general anesthesia, which can make you drowsy and unable to drive for several hours after surgery.

Equipments and intruments used in laproscopy

- A standard complete set of laparoscopic equipments

- Laparoscopic optical system (laparoscope)

-Fiber-optic cable

- Endovideocamera

- Video monitors

- Endoscopic light source

- Electronic CO2 insufflator

- Coagulating and/or sealing device

- System for aspiration and irrigation

- Trocars

- Forceps

- Scissors

- Needle-holders

- Clip- applicators

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Biomedical Engineers