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Surgery performed through several tiny "keyhole incisions." A fiberoptic instrument is inserted through one of the incisions to view the inside of the abdomen. Surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions. Laparoscopy can be used for a variety of procedures and operations.
This procedure is performed on the abdomen and female reproductive system.
Laparoscopy is done to examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside the abdomen and female reproductive system. The procedure is most often performed for the following reasons:
- Diagnose cause of acute or chronic abdominal or pelvic pain
- Visualize and obtain a tissue specimen from a mass in the abdomen
-
Evaluate the cause of
infertility
- Evaluate source of fluid accumulating in the abdomen
-
Monitor the status of previously treated
cancer
- Assist in determining the "stage" or spread of certain cancers
Many types of surgery that have traditionally been performed with an open incision can now be performed laparoscopically, these include:
- Pre-existing heart or lung condition
-
Obesity
- Previous abdominal surgery
Depending on the reason for your laparoscopy, your doctor may do any of the following:
- Physical exam
- Review of medications
- Blood tests including pregnancy test, liver function, electrolyte status
-
Urinalysis to detect
urinary tract infection
and
diabetes
-
Ultrasound
—a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
-
CT scan
—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
-
MRI scan
—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
In the days leading up to your procedure:
- Review your regular medications with the surgeon; you may need to stop taking some drugs.
- Depending on the type of operation to be performed, you may be asked to take a laxative and/or perform an enema before your procedure.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
- The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
IV fluids, anesthesia, and possibly a sedative will be given to you.
A laparoscopy may call for
general
anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation.
The surgeon cuts a small opening in the abdomen. The location of this incision varies depending on the procedure, either near the navel or in the lower abdomen for pelvic conditions. A needle is inserted and used to inject carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen. This gas causes the abdominal cavity to expand and makes it easier for the doctor to see the internal structures. The doctor inserts a long, thin tubular instrument (laparoscope) that lights, magnifies, and projects an image of the internal organs onto a video screen. The internal organs are inspected.
If necessary, several other tiny incisions may be made in the abdomen through which to insert instruments that can take biopsies or perform various types of surgery (such as removal of an organ). After the laparoscope and any other tools are removed, the incisions are closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.
A
laboratory will examine the removed fluid or tissue.
Usually less than 1 hour, but this depends on the type of procedure being done.
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may experience soreness for a couple of days during recovery, but you will receive pain medication to relieve this discomfort. You may also feel bloated or have pain in your shoulder from the gas used during the procedure. This can last up to 3 days.
- Infection
- Gas embolism
- Excessive bleeding
- Damage to blood vessels or organs, sometimes requiring immediate open surgery for repair
- Anesthesia-related problems
- Sometimes it becomes evident during laparoscopic surgery that the operation would be better carried out using a traditional, open incision
Most patients having a diagnostic laparoscopy go home the same day. Laparoscopic surgery may require a few days of hospital care, depending on the procedure.
- The operative dressing can usually be removed the morning after surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Do not drink carbonated beverages for two days.
Depending on the procedure, you should be able to resume regular activities in about 1 week.
If the laparoscopy was performed to help diagnose a condition, your doctor will suggest treatment options. Biopsy results may take 3 to 5 days.
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Headache, muscle aches, feeling faint or dizzy
- Difficulty urinating
- Following procedures with general anesthesia: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
Last reviewed November 2007 by
Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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