Laparoscopy

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KEY POINTS

• A laparoscopy is a procedure done to look inside the belly or pelvis using a lighted tube and a camera to see your organs. You will have anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.
• You may have some tissue removed for lab tests, which is called a biopsy. Some problems may be diagnosed and treated during this procedure.
• Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results and how to take care of yourself at home.

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What is a laparoscopy?

A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure to look inside the belly or pelvis. A lighted tube with a camera on one end is used to look at the organs in your belly. This tool is called a laparoscope. Your provider puts it into the belly through a small cut near your belly button. The scope helps your provider see your organs on a TV monitor.

Sometimes one or more pieces of tissue are removed from inside your belly for lab tests. This is called a biopsy.

This procedure can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis. Then your provider can suggest further treatment. Some problems may be diagnosed and treated during this procedure.

Your stay at the hospital and the time needed to recover from a laparoscopy will depend on the extent of surgery done through the laparoscope, but recovery will be quicker than if you have open abdominal surgery. You will also have smaller incisions.

When is it used?

A laparoscopy allows your healthcare provider to look closely at organs and tissues in your abdomen or pelvis. It may help your provider find the cause of medical problems you may be having, such as:

• Pain, an abnormal lump, or fluid in your belly
• Liver problems
• Trouble getting pregnant
• A possible tubal pregnancy

Laparoscopy can be used for treatment as well as diagnosis. For example, your provider may remove abnormal tissues, areas of infection, or organs during the procedure.

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure will be done at the hospital or a surgery center.

You will be given regional or general anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. Regional anesthesia numbs part of your body while you stay awake. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and puts you into a deep sleep.

Your provider will make a small cut near your bellybutton. Your provider will put a laparoscope through the cut. Your provider may put other tools through other small cuts in your belly. Gas may be used to open the space in the belly, and the laparoscope is used to look at the abdominal organs and tissues and to guide other tools.

If an abnormal growth is found, your provider may take a sample of the growth (biopsy). Or your provider may remove all of the growth. Tissue that is removed will be sent to the lab to be examined under a microscope.

At the end of the procedure, your provider will remove the scope and any other tools, and sew up the cuts.

The procedure may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours or more, depending on what your provider does during the procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, you may stay in a recovery area for at least a few hours or overnight, depending on what was done during the procedure. The anesthetic may cause sleepiness or grogginess for a while.

You may have some pain after the procedure. Your provider will give you instructions on how to treat any pain.

You may feel bloated or have constipation for a few days. Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking extra fluids may help you avoid constipation. If diet and extra fluids are not enough to avoid constipation, then your provider may recommend a stool softener or a laxative. Check with your provider if constipation is still problem.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection or bleeding.
• Other parts of your body may be injured during the procedure.
• The lining of the abdominal wall may get inflamed.
• You may have problems with the heart or lungs from the gas put into the belly.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.