Laparoscopy
One of the most common operations performed today is the laparoscopy.
This procedure used to be mainly performed by gynaecologists for investigation or treatment of their female patients. But laparoscopy is now used for an increasing number of non-gynaecological procedures.
The laparoscope is a telescope-like instrument, about the thickness of a large pen. It carries a fibre-optic light system, enabling the doctor to see inside the abdomen. Following an anaesthetic, it is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut, usually made just below the umbilicus (belly-button). Carbon dioxide gas is then introduced into the abdominal cavity, ‘blowing it up’ so that the contents are easier to see.
Sometimes laparoscopy is performed as an investigation to see what might be causing certain problems, such as pelvic pain or infertility.
At other times treatment is carried out, often with the help of additional instruments inserted through further tiny cuts in the wall of the abdomen.
Operations performed in this way can include female sterilisation, draining cysts on the ovary and treatment of ectopic (abnormally placed) pregnancy.
Non-gynaecological operations performed in this way include removal of the gallbladder and hernia repairs.
The great advantage of the laparoscope is that it reduces the time spent in hospital and, because only tiny cuts are required, there is much less pain after the operation. As new techniques are developed, an increasing number of problems that used to require major surgery can be dealt with through the laparoscope. Many patients now leave hospital on the same day as their operation and can resume normal activities very quickly.
Last Reviewed: 30 June 2010
- 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Laparoscopy (updated 2009, May). Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp061.cfm (accessed 2010, July 12)
2. Merck Manual of Medical Information: Second Home Edition [website]. Surgery (updated 2009, Feb). Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec25/ch301/ch301a.html (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
3. Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). Facts about gallstones (second edition, 2005). Available at: http://www.gesa.org.au/pdf/Gallstones_2nd_05.pdf (accessed 2010, Jul 12)
