laparoscopy
Dr. med. Philipp Nicol is a freelance writer for the medical editorial team.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Laparoscopy (laparoscopy) is the examination of the inside of the abdomen with a special endoscope (laparoscope). Read everything about laparoscopy, when to perform it, what risks it entails and what you need to consider after a laparoscopy.
What is a laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine the abdomen. A so-called laparoscope is used - 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 a rinsing and suction device.
Conventional diagnostic laparoscopy
In conventional diagnostic laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts a hollow rod (trocar) into the abdomen through a small incision in the skin of the abdomen. A harmless gas (carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide) is first fed into the abdomen via this trocar. The gas inflates the abdomen and separates the otherwise tightly fitting abdominal organs. This gives the doctor a clear view and can orientate himself in the abdominal cavity.
The doctor pushes the actual laparoscope into the abdomen via the trocar in order to inspect the organs located there. Tissue samples can be taken with small forceps during the examination.
Mini laparoscopy
With mini-laparoscopy, the trocar is just under three millimeters in diameter, significantly narrower than with the conventional method (ten millimeters). This means that the procedure is gentler, the puncture site is smaller and does not have to be sutured. The mini-laparoscopy can also be used for adhesions in the abdomen and for patients with blood clotting disorders. However, it allows the doctor a somewhat poorer view during the examination.
Gynecological laparoscopy
In gynecology, too, laparoscopy is used to examine the female sexual organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus). The method is often used for unclear abdominal or pelvic problems or unwanted childlessness.
When do you perform a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy can be used for the following diseases or symptoms in the abdominal and pelvic area:
- Cysts in the ovaries
- chronic pain in the abdomen and pelvis
- Endometriosis (dislocated uterine lining in the abdomen)
- Ascites (ascites)
- unclear liver disease
- Tumor diseases
A laparoscopic examination may also be necessary in the event of involuntary childlessness.
Certain pre-existing conditions prohibit a laparoscopy. These include:
- severe, uncontrolled heart failure (decompensated heart failure)
- bacterial inflammation of the peritoneum (bacterial peritonitis)
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Portal hypertension of the liver (portal hypertension)
What do you do with a laparoscopy?
Before the laparoscopy, the doctor discusses the examination and explains the risks and possible complications, and questions about previous illnesses and medication. In addition, a blood test - to detect a blood clotting disorder, for example - and an EKG are part of the usual preliminary examinations. The laparoscopy is performed on an empty stomach.
Laparoscopy - procedure
Before the procedure, an intravenous line is made so that medication can be given quickly in an emergency. Blood pressure and pulse are constantly monitored during the laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy usually takes about 30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. After a conventional laparoscopy, the skin incisions are sewn - so scars remain after the laparoscopy.
A mini-laparoscopy can also be performed on an outpatient basis, if necessary, for patients without severe previous illnesses. After the procedure, the patient will be monitored for about four hours.
What are the risks of a laparoscopy?
Serious complications rarely occur during or after a laparoscopy. A comparatively common complication is bleeding from the abdominal wall after inserting the trocars or from organs (especially the liver) after a biopsy. Most of this bleeding can be stopped during laparoscopy; surgical hemostasis is rarely necessary.
Whether you experience pain after a laparoscopy depends on a number of factors. The introduced gas usually rises in the abdomen and collects at the highest point, below the diaphragm. This often causes characteristic pain in the right shoulder (post-laparoscopic pain syndrome). In addition, wound pain in the area of the skin incisions can occur after a laparoscopy. Most of the time, these symptoms can be relieved well with painkillers.
What do I have to consider after a laparoscopy?
After the laparoscopy, you will be monitored in the hospital for one more day - after an outpatient laparoscopy for a few hours - in order to react quickly if there are signs of infection (fever, reddening of the skin sutures) or subsequent bleeding (paleness, palpitations, weakness, nausea) can. If you experience symptoms or pain after your discharge, you should see your doctor immediately.
Tags: unfulfilled wish to have children parasites menopause
