About Diagnostic Laparoscopy
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is Diagnostic Laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which the patient’s abdomen and pelvis can be viewed and examined.
During a diagnostic laparoscopy, the cause of abdominal and pelvic pain is diagnosed. Medical ailments and conditions such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, cholecystitis etc. are detected during a diagnostic laparoscopy. It is most often used in the examination of female reproductive organs.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is performed when diagnostic examinations using ultrasound or X-ray are unable to diagnose an ailment or medical condition.
How is Diagnostic Laparoscopy Performed?
- A small incision is made in the patient’s abdomen below the navel.
- A needle is inserted into the incision area and gas is passed into the abdominal cavity to create space in the abdomen for a better view and workspace for the surgeon.
- Then a laparoscope, which is an endoscopic tube with a tiny camera attached to it, is inserted through the incision.
- Using the laparoscope, the patient’s abdomen and pelvic regions can be viewed.
- Additional incisions may also be made to insert surgical tools if required.
- In a diagnostic laparoscopy in relation to gynecology, the surgeon may use some dye which is injected into the cervix that enables a better view of the fallopian tubes.
- Once the diagnostic laparoscopy is completed, the laparoscope and other instruments are removed and the incisions are closed and covered with bandages.
How to Prepare for Diagnostic Laparoscopy?
- The patient should abstain from smoking a few days before the surgery.
- The patient should wear comfortable clothing and footwear on the day of the surgery to prevent a fall or injury due to drowsiness caused by anesthesia.
- The patient’s clothing should be loose fitting as the patient is likely to experience abdominal cramping.
- The patient should remove jewelry and other accessories before the surgery.
Days admitted : None. Diagnostic laparoscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure and the patient can go home a few hours after the surgery.
Anesthesia : General anesthesia
Recovery : - The patient is taken to the recovery room after the surgery. After a few hours of monitoring, the patient is moved to an outpatient surgery unit.
- Instructions will be given to the patient for recovery at home.
- Follow-up appointments with the doctor are scheduled before patient is discharged.
- The patient will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the surgery.
- Pain medication may be prescribed for surgical pain.
- The patient may have shoulder pain for a few days after the surgery.
- The patient’s urine may be green in color after the surgery.
Risks : Diagnostic laparoscopy involves certain complications and discomforts that include:
- Infection
- Organ puncture
- Bleeding
- Abdominal swelling
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramp and discomfort
After care : - The patient should not drink alcohol or drive for 24 hours after the surgery.
- The patient may take a bath after the surgery.
- Surgical bandages may be removed the next day after the surgery.
- The patient may be able to return to work three days after the surgery.
The doctor should be informed if the following symptoms occur:
- Fever
- Swelling and infection at the incision area
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- More abdominal swelling
- Bleeding
- Chills
- Severe coughing and breathing difficulty
- Urinating problem
- Pain not relieved by medication.
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