What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine the abdomen. It involves the use of a so-called laparoscope – a device with a small camera attached to the end of a thin tube. In addition, the laparoscope contains a lens system for magnification, a light source, and usually an irrigation and suction device.
Conventional diagnostic laparoscopy
Via the trocar, the doctor pushes the actual laparoscope into the abdominal cavity to inspect the organs located there in detail. During the examination, tissue samples can be taken with a small forceps.
Mini laparoscopy
Gynecological laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is also used in gynecology to examine the female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus). The method is often used in cases of unclear abdominal or pelvic complaints or unwanted childlessness.
When is a laparoscopy performed?
Laparoscopy can be used for the following diseases or complaints in the abdomen and pelvis:
- Cysts in the area of the ovaries
- Endometriosis (scattered uterine lining in the abdomen)
- ascites (abdominal fluid)
- unclear liver diseases
- tumor diseases
Laparoscopic examination may also be necessary in cases of involuntary childlessness.
Certain pre-existing conditions prohibit the performance of a laparoscopy. These include:
- severe, uncontrolled heart failure (decompensated heart failure)
- bacterial inflammation of the peritoneum (bacterial peritonitis)
- intestinal obstruction (ileus)
What is done during a laparoscopy?
Before the laparoscopy, the doctor discusses the examination and explains the risks and possible complications; previous illnesses and medications are also asked about. In addition, a blood sample – to detect a blood clotting disorder, for example – and an ECG are part of the usual preliminary examinations. The laparoscopy is performed on an empty stomach.
Laparoscopy – procedure
Laparoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. After a conventional laparoscopy, the skin incisions are sutured – so scars remain after the laparoscopy.
If necessary, a mini-laparoscopy can also be performed on an outpatient basis in patients without severe pre-existing conditions. After the procedure, the patient is monitored for about four hours.
What are the risks of laparoscopy?
Whether you experience pain after a laparoscopy depends on various factors. For example, the injected gas usually rises in the abdominal cavity and collects at the highest point, below the diaphragm. This often provides characteristic pain in the right shoulder (postlaparoscopic pain syndrome). In addition, after laparoscopy, there may be wound pain in the area of the incisions. In most cases, these complaints can be alleviated well with painkillers.
After the laparoscopy, you will still be monitored in the hospital for one day – for several hours after an outpatient laparoscopy – in order to be able to react quickly in case of signs of infection (fever, redness at the skin sutures) or subsequent bleeding (pallor, palpitations, weakness, nausea). If such symptoms or pain occur after your discharge, you should see your doctor immediately.
