Gas during a laparoscopy | Laparoscopy to observe the abdominal cavity

Gas during a laparoscopy

In laparoscopy, several so-called trocars are inserted into the abdomen. Before starting the laparoscopy, the gas carbon dioxide, alternatively helium, is introduced into the abdomen through an access. This causes the abdominal wall to rise up from the organs and the surgeon has better visibility and working conditions during the procedure, which further reduces the risk of injury to the patient.

The amount of insufflated gas depends on individual factors, such as the size of the abdomen. Furthermore, the pressure in the abdomen is constantly measured during the procedure to prevent too much gas from being injected into the abdomen. Before the abdomen is closed at the end of the procedure, the gas is let out again.

It can happen that gas remains in the abdomen. However, this is usually not a problem because the body absorbs the residues and they are breathed out through the lungs. Getting up early and moving around after the operation helps and alleviates possible discomfort.

However, there are also laparoscopic procedures that can be performed without gas. In this case, the abdominal wall is mechanically lifted. However, they are less common than the variant with gas.

Fields of application of laparoscopy

The gall bladder is responsible for many symptoms in the abdomen. Gallstones or the gall bladder inflammations that sometimes follow are very painful clinical pictures that cause the patient colicky pain. Therefore, it is often necessary to remove the gallbladder.

Gall bladders with polyps are also removed to prevent degeneration into malignant cells. Only in cases of complex inflammatory processes or major problems is the conventional surgical method with a large abdominal incision still used today. Otherwise, the laparoscopic procedure, in which the devices are inserted through 4 small incisions, is often used today.

Under video view, the gallbladder is then mobilized from its location on the liver and also removed. Since the gallbladder does not fit through the small openings, it is cut into a bag in the abdomen or removed through a larger incision. This procedure is a very gentle procedure to remove the gallbladder relatively quickly and safely.

Removal of the appendix becomes necessary if it becomes inflamed (appendicitis; med: appendicitis). In this operation, too, the camera and working instruments are inserted into the abdomen using the keyhole technique. The appendix is searched for and displayed, the vessels supplying it must then be blocked or sclerosed to prevent bleeding, and then the appendix is severed.

The appendix is a small part that can be easily removed via the guide sleeve, i.e. an already existing incision. A drainage is then inserted, through which the wound secretion can drain from the abdomen and the patient can be discharged home for another 4-5 days.