Laparoscopy is not only a method of surgery, but also a minimally invasive method of examining internal organs. Many internal organs are assessed laparoscopically, such as the liver, spleen, reproductive organs, large intestine, diaphragm and kidneys. Laparoscopy procedures, like classic operations, are performed under general anesthesia.

Laparoscopyis a moderndiagnostic and surgical method . Used as adiagnostic test , it allows the doctor to view and examine the abdominal organs of the patient without having to open it wide. If the goal of surgery is solely to make a diagnosis, only one incision is usually sufficient. This is of great importance not only in terms of aesthetics, but also increases the chance of faster recovery. Moreover, during the diagnostic laparoscopy you can take a sample for microscopic examination. The test is safe, so it can be repeated and performed on patients of all ages.

Diagnostic laparoscopy: indications

  • liver diseases (including focal lesions to perform a targeted biopsy)
  • ascites of unclear origin
  • spleen diseases
  • need to release adhesions in the peritoneal cavity
  • infertility and other gynecological ailments, e.g. endometriosis, ovarian diseases
  • unspecified abdominal or pelvic pain

Diagnostic laparoscopy: contraindications

  • pregnancy over 3 months
  • period
  • lung diseases (especially chronic)
  • significant obesity, in which the lungs are compressed and the gas, lifting the diaphragm, makes breathing even more difficult

Diagnostic laparoscopy: preparation for the examination

The same as for any operation, as laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia. It is necessary to perform an ECG and laboratory tests: blood count, serum protein concentration, electrolyte levels, blood coagulation indicators and liver tests. On the day preceding the procedure, you should go on an easily digestible diet (mainly liquid meals). A few hours before laparoscopy, patients are administered about 1000 ml of blood substitutes. If necessary, shave the skin in the area to be tested.

Diagnostic laparoscopy: the course of the examination

Diagnostic laparoscopy can beperformed under general or local anesthesia - the choice of the method is decided by the doctor after consultation with the patient. The examination usually takes several dozen minutes. During the examination, the patient lies on his back. The doctor makes a small incision in the area of ​​the navel with a scalpel. Through them, he introduces a thick needle connected to the apparatus, which pumps under pressure from 3 to 5 liters of carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity. The gas squeezes into every nook and cranny and separates the individual organs that normally fit tightly together. Thanks to this, the doctor can safely use the tools without fear of damaging the intestines. When the gas pressure in the abdominal cavity reaches the right level, the surgeon makes a tiny incision 2 cm from the navel again with the scalpel and introduces the trocar through this opening. It is a metal tube, a kind of tunnel through which his "eye", or laparoscope, can move. After the examination, the surgeon removes the tools and the laparoscope, releases the previously pumped gas, takes out the trocars and sutures small holes in the abdominal wall. After the examination, the patient usually spends one day in the hospital. You can move around, but you are not allowed to eat or drink around the clock. Usually, when you leave the hospital, you get a sick leave. Its length, however, depends on the type of disease, and is not related to the procedure itself.

When laparoscopy results are known

Partially already during the procedure, when the doctor can determine the advancement of the disease. However, one has to wait for the results of histopathological examinations of the collected sections, smears and fluids. This usually takes 10 days to two weeks.

Diagnostic laparoscopy: complications

After diagnostic laparoscopy, most patients experience only minor pain in the area of ​​the incisions that common painkillers can tolerate. Of course, there may be, although this is rare, more serious complications. These are most often bleeding and / or infections. Damage to the intestine, blood vessels or bladder is very rare. Subcutaneous, mediastinal, pleural pneumothorax, air embolism, biliary peritonitis, and cardiovascular complications may also occur. You should inform your doctor as soon as possible about any symptoms that appear after the examination.

You must do it

Before the procedure, the surgeon must know about all your illnesses - past and current - especially when it is:

1. myocardial infarction within the last 4 months 2. worsening of symptoms of coronary artery disease 3. hypertension 4. abnormal arrangement of organs 5. esophageal hernia 6. bleeding tendency (haemorrhagic diathesis) 7. fever 8. severe cough9. drug allergy 10.glaucoma

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