In surgical applications, the safety of patients and a more comfortable recovery process after surgery are among the primary goals. One of the methods developed in this direction is laparoscopy, a modern surgical technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Also known as minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy is widely preferred for the evaluation of intra-abdominal organs.
What is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a modern surgical method that allows access to the abdominal cavity and pelvic region without large surgical incisions. Defined as minimally invasive surgery, this technique can be performed using a special camera system called a laparoscope and auxiliary surgical instruments.
A laparoscope is a thin tube with a high-resolution camera and light source at its tip. The images obtained via this camera are transmitted to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to evaluate intra-abdominal organs in detail and perform the procedure with these images as a guide. In addition to the camera system, necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed with the help of thin surgical instruments placed in the abdominal region.
While larger incisions may be required in open surgical methods to clearly visualize the inside of the abdomen, a few small incisions are sufficient in laparoscopy procedures. These incisions are mostly 1–1.5 cm in size.
Why is Laparoscopy Performed?
Laparoscopy is a surgical method that can be applied to clarify the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases related to the intra-abdominal and pelvic region. This method may be preferred due to its ability to offer direct observation in cases where sufficient information cannot be obtained through imaging techniques.
In some patients, the cause of complaints may not be definitively determined despite tests performed. In such cases, laparoscopy can assist the diagnostic process by allowing a detailed evaluation of intra-abdominal organs. At the same time, it is possible to perform a surgical intervention targeting the identified issue during the same procedure.
Laparoscopy can be applied not only for therapeutic purposes but also to determine the extent of a disease, assess the condition of organs, and clarify surgical planning.
In Which Diseases is Laparoscopy Used?
Laparoscopy is a surgical method used in the diagnosis and treatment process of certain diseases related to the abdominal cavity and pelvic region. The conditions for which it can be applied are determined based on the patient's clinical status and medical evaluations conducted.
Laparoscopy can be used for gynecological diseases, primarily digestive system disorders, and some intra-abdominal organ conditions.
- Use of Laparoscopy in Gynecological Diseases
Laparoscopy is one of the widely used methods for diagnosing and treating certain diseases related to the female reproductive system. Endometriosis (chocolate cyst), ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and ectopic pregnancy are conditions where laparoscopic evaluation may be conducted.
- Use in the Digestive System and Intra-abdominal Organs
Laparoscopy can also be used in the evaluation and surgical treatment of gallbladder diseases and certain bowel conditions. Additionally, laparoscopic methods may be preferred for certain diagnostic and therapeutic interventions targeting the liver and other intra-abdominal organs.
How is Laparoscopy Performed?
The laparoscopy procedure is conducted under conditions determined based on the patient's general health status and the planned surgical operation. Prior to the procedure, a detailed medical evaluation of the patient is conducted, and necessary tests are completed. This process is crucial in determining the suitability of the method for the patient.
Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. After anesthesia is provided, several small surgical incisions are made in the abdominal area. Through these incisions, the camera system called a laparoscope and auxiliary surgical instruments are placed inside the abdomen.
Thanks to the camera system, intra-abdominal organs are visualized in high resolution, and these images are reflected on a monitor. The surgeon follows the procedure with these images, performing the planned diagnostic and therapeutic surgical intervention.
After the surgical process is completed, the surgical instruments used are removed, and the small incisions are appropriately closed. The duration of laparoscopy may vary depending on the scope of the procedure performed and the nature of the disease.
What is the Recovery Process Like After Laparoscopy?
The recovery process after laparoscopy may vary depending on the scope of the surgical procedure performed, the patient's general health status, and individual characteristics. Therefore, the recovery process may not progress the same way for every patient.
In the days immediately following the procedure, patients may experience mild pain, a feeling of tightness, and bloating in the abdominal area. Some patients may also feel pain in the shoulder area. These situations are temporary and are considered a natural part of the post-surgery process.
During the recovery process, the care of the incisions in the surgical area, the gradual increase of physical activities, and attending follow-up examinations are important. Adhering to medical recommendations provided specifically to patients can help the process proceed healthily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gynecological laparoscopy?
Gynecological laparoscopy refers to laparoscopic surgical applications used in the evaluation and treatment of diseases affecting the female reproductive organs. Procedures related to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are addressed within this scope.
What is the difference between laparoscopy and open surgery?
Laparoscopy is a closed surgical method performed with small incisions, while open surgeries may involve a larger incision. The choice of method is determined based on the characteristics of the disease and medical evaluation.
Can laparoscopy be applied to every patient?
Laparoscopy may not be suitable for every patient. The patient's general health condition, previous surgeries, and accompanying diseases may affect the applicability of the method. Suitability is determined as a result of the evaluation conducted by a specialist physician.
Does laparoscopy leave a scar?
The incisions made during laparoscopy are typically small in size. Therefore, although the appearance of any scars post-surgery may vary from person to person, they are generally limited.
