This is a technique that surgeons use to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without
having to make large incisions in the skin. Other names include keyhole surgery, minimal invasive surgery, or minimal access surgery. The advantages of this technique over traditional open surgery include shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time, less pain and bleeding after the operation, and reduced scarring.
Through small incisions that ranges between 1cm to 1.5cm, the surgeon is able to perform
the required operation. After making an incision, the procedure starts with introduction of small tube that has a light source and a camera, and is connected to a television monitor. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped through the tube to inflate the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to see internal organs clearly and gives enough room to work. After the procedure, the carbon dioxide is let out of the abdomen, the incisions are closed using stitches or clips and a dressing is applied.
Laparoscopy is now widely used in treatment of many conditions, such as: removing an inflamed appendix, removing the gallbladder, repairing different types of hernia, removing a section of the intestine in conditions like Crohn’s disease or for tumours, removing part of the large bowel for conditions like bowel cancer, diverticular disease, and ulcerative colitis. It can be also used for creating ileo-anal pouches for reconstruction surgery for ulcerative colitis, and for weight loss surgery.
It is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool for unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, and certain types of cancer. The laparoscope can be used to obtain sample of suspected cancerous tissue, so it can be sent to a laboratory for testing. This is known as a biopsy.
Laparoscopy is a commonly performed procedure and it is considered safe approach. Your surgeon will discuss with you the possible risks according to the procedure that will be performed. Some of the gas used in laparoscopy can remain inside after the procedure, which can cause bloating, cramps and shoulder pain. These symptoms are not worrying and should pass after a day or so, once your body has absorbed the remaining gas.
A relatively recent development in laparoscopy is the use of robots to assist with procedures. This is known as “robotic-assisted laparoscopy”. Robotic-assisted laparoscopy allows surgeons to carry out complex procedures with increased precision and smaller incisions. The amount of robotic-assisted laparoscopy used in the UK has increased rapidly in recent years.