DESCRIPTION

Laparoscopy is a procedure that allows visual examination and some treatments of the pelvic and abdominal organs. The procedure is performed with a laparoscope, a small lighted telescope.

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REASONS FOR PROCEDURE

Evaluation and treatment of infertility in women.

Evaluation of known or suspected endometriosis.

Complications from pelvic disease.

Masses or cysts in the pelvis.

Undiagnosed pelvic pain.

Fibroid tumors of the uterus.

Voluntary sterilization.

For diagnosis and treatment of variety of abdominal disorders.

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RISK INCREASES WITH

Obesity.

Smoking.

Heart or lung disease.

Advanced pregnancy.

Previous abdominal surgery, especially hernias.

Previous bowel surgery.

Use of drugs such as antihypertensives; antiarrhythmics; diuretics; or beta-adrenergic blockers.

Use of mind-altering drugs.

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DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE

It is performed in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

General anesthesia is administered by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe (a local anesthetic is used sometimes).

It is often necessary to place an instrument (tenaculum) on the cervix in order to help move the uterus around.

A small incision (1/2 to 3/4 inch) is made in or below the patient's navel. A needle is inserted to inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes the abdomen to swell which lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs, so the health care provider has more room to see and perform any necessary procedures.

The operating table is tilted to allow the bowel and carbon dioxide to float up toward the chest.

Next, a laparoscope (a one-half inch fiber-optic rod with a light source and video camera) is inserted through the belly button incision. The laparoscope is used to examine the abdomen visually, using the video camera to see inside the abdominal area on a video monitor located in the operating room.

The laparoscope is used to perform surgeries, if necessary - gallbladder removal, diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy, tubal ligation, aspiration and excision of ovarian cyst, and multiple other gynecological procedures. Various instruments can be inserted into the laparoscope while using the video monitor as a guide.

The video camera allows the health care provider to take pictures of any problem areas that are discovered.

The laparoscope is removed, and the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape from the abdomen.

Small sutures under the skin and an adhesive bandage are used to close the wound. In some cases, a long-acting local anesthetic can be injected into the wound for pain relief.

In some cases, the health care provider may discover that he/she is unable to accomplish the goal of surgery through the laparoscope and a full abdominal incision will be made. However, if this is a possibility in your case, your health care provider will discuss this with you prior to surgery, and the surgical consent form will include this possibility.

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EXPECTED OUTCOME

Expect full recovery without complications. You may experience slight discomfort for 24 to 48 hours. You may have aches in your shoulders and chest from the carbon dioxide that was used to inflate your abdomen. No treatment is necessary. Allow 6 to 7 days for full recovery from surgery.

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POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Perforation of the intra-abdominal organs (bowel, bladder or liver) and intra-abdominal blood vessels.

Complications from use of or allergic reactions to anesthesia.

Infection.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Change the adhesive bandage daily.

Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild soap.

If the procedure was for sterilization and you were taking birth control pills, finish your present package; then you no longer need birth-control methods.

Use sanitary pad (not tampons) to stop slight vaginal bleeding, which may occur after surgery.

Sit in a warm tub of water for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to relieve discomfort.

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MEDICATION

Prescription pain medication should generally only be required for 2 to 7 days following the procedure.

You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor pain.

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ACTIVITY

To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

Resume driving 24 hours after recovery from surgery. Be sure to have someone available to drive you home from the procedure since you will be recovering from anesthesia.

Sexual relations may be resumed in 2 or 3 days after recovery from surgery.

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DIET

Avoid carbonated beverages for 48 hours after surgery.

No special diet. However, you should follow a healthy, balanced nutritional program for a healthy immune system and to assist in a rapid recovery from your surgery.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information, Guidelines, Dietary Recommendations



NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

Any of the following occurs:

• You experience abdominal swelling or pain.



• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.



• Excessive bleeding or discharge from either the surgical area or the vagina.

You will be given laparoscopy instructions prior to your surgery by your health care provider. Read and follow these instructions.

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