Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
Although patients tend to think of laparoscopic surgery as minor surgery, it is major surgery with the potential for major complications – visceral injury and bleeding, injury to the bowel, or injury to the bladder.
There are two types of laparoscope:
- A telescopic rod lens system, usually connected to a video camera (single-chip CCD or three-chip CCD)
- A digital laparoscope where a miniature digital video camera is placed at the end of the laparoscope, eliminating the rod lens system.
If you’ve had laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, you’ll probably be able to resume your normal activities within 5 days.
Benefits :
Laparoscopic surgery is used for many surgeries. It has the advantages of less pain, less cutting of skin and tissue, fewer wound complications, quicker post-operative recovery, and shorter duration of hospital stay.
Who needs laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is often done when the results of a physical exam, X-ray, or CT scan are not clear. Laparoscopy may be used to determine a stage of cancer for an abdominal organ. It may also be used to check an abdominal injury. It can see where the injury is and how deep it is.
