MINIMALLY INVASIVE / LAPAROSCOPIC GYANECOLOGY

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgery procedure that is usually used to examine organs inside the abdomen or pelvis. It is done with the help of small incisions (0.5-1.5 cm), small tubes, surgery instruments and small cameras. This is a complex surgery and requires a short hospital stay. Laparoscopy is performed for gynecologic surgery, heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, kidney surgery, neurosurgery, removal of one or both adrenal glands and removal of gallstones. The laparoscopic gynecologist may also take biopsy samples through this procedure. It is increasingly being preferred over traditional (open) surgery, as it involves larger incisions and longer hospital stay.

Who is Laparoscopic Surgeon ?

Laparoscopic surgeon is an expert doctor who has years of experience in laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy surgeons are also called general surgeons who perform this surgery using minimally invasive procedures. During laparoscopy, many organs of the body are evaluated which mainly include pelvic or reproductive organs, large and small intestine, spleen, gall bladder, kidney, appendix, liver and pancreas etc.

How to do Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscope, a camera and a thin tube with a light and is passed through small incisions into the abdomen or pelvis. It is a complex procedure and should only be performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.

Before you start with laparoscopy you will have to go through blood tests, urinalysis, electrocardiogram and chest x ray. This helps the laparoscopic gynecologist understand the abnormality that is examined. You should avoid drinking or eating for eight hours before surgery. This procedure is done under influence of local anaesthesia. Small incisions of about 0.5-1.5 cm are made in the body. Then, a small thin tube with a tiny camera on the end will be inserted to take detailed images of the organs. Laparoscopy is performed when other diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scan are not able to provide adequate information to the laparoscopic gynecologist. Nowadays, laparoscopic surgeries are being done in place of traditional surgeries of heart, kidney, appendix, gallbladder etc. as it is more convenient than them.

Organs Checked in a laparoscopy?

• Appendix
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Pelvic Organs
• Small and Large Intestine
• Spleen
• Stomach

Purpose of Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is often used to examine and diagnose abdominal or pelvic pain. This procedure is used when non-invasive testing procedures cannot adequately diagnose a problem.

Gynaecologic Laparoscopy is used for:

• Check for abnormal growth in abdomen or pelvis, such as a tumor etc.
• Diagnose & treat certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, & pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Finding condition that is making it difficult for a woman to get pregnant, these conditions include cysts, adhesions, fibroids and infection.
• If initial infertility test shows no signs of infertility, a laparoscopy procedure can be performed even after initial infertility test.
• If there is cancer in another part of body, to see if it has spread to parts of the abdomen.
• Check for damage to internal organs, such as spleen disease due to injury or accident.
• To cure hiatal hernia or inguinal hernia.
• To remove organs such as uterus, spleen, gall bladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), ovaries, appendix (appendectomy).
• Removal of the colon can also be done.
• To know the causes of sudden or persistent pelvic pain.
• To do a biopsy.
• Laparoscopy is used for tubal ligation.

Before Laparoscopy Surgery

• Before surgery, follow the given food and drink recommendations.
• Before laparoscopy, you may have to fast for at least eight hours.
• Before laparoscopy, tell the doctor if you are taking any medications. Your doctor will advise you when to take certain medicines before and after the laparoscopic procedure.
• If there is any negative effect on the results of the laparoscopy, the doctor can make some adjustments such as temporarily stopping the medication.
• Tell your laparoscopic gynecologist if you are not sure you are pregnant. By doing this, you can reduce the chance of harm to your unborn child.
• Before laparoscopy, the doctor may plan blood tests, urinalysis, electrocardiogram (ECG) or chest X-ray. In addition to laparoscopy, the doctor may plan certain imaging tests such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

During Laparoscopy Surgery

Laparoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning that the patient is allowed to go home the same day after surgery.

The laparoscopy procedure consists of the following steps:

• The patient is given sedation.
• A small incision is made below the navel.
• A small tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision.
• Carbon dioxide gas is filled in the stomach with the help of a cannula.
• Another incision is made, and the laparoscope is inserted into it.
• A camera mounted on the laparoscope transmits images of the inside of the abdomen in real time to a screen.
• The doctor looks at the internal organs of the abdomen through a laparoscope and, if necessary, performs surgery.
• After surgery, the incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

After Laparoscopy Surgery

Speak with your physician if:

• You have a fever, excruciating pain, or other strange symptoms.
• Your wound is bleeding or releasing pus.
• You're feeling queasy or want to throw up.
• Breathing is difficult for you.
• Recovery period following a laparoscopy

Cost of Laparoscopic Surgery

The cost of laparoscopic surgery can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of surgery: Different laparoscopic procedures have different levels of complexity and require different equipment, which can vary in cost.
• Hospital or Clinic: Costs can vary significantly between private hospitals, government hospitals and smaller clinics.
• Experience and Fees of the Surgeon: The reputation, skill and experience of the surgeon can significantly affect the cost of the surgery.
• Medical Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific plan and coverage details.