What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is an operation used to look inside your abdomen. A thin instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a tiny cut under your belly button to help your doctor look, examine and operate (if needed) in your abdomen without making large cuts.
What's involved?
The procedure uses a laparoscope. This is a long thin instrument with a light source at its tip, to light up the inside of the abdomen or pelvis. Fibreoptic fibres carry images from a lens, also at the tip of the instrument, to a video monitor, which the surgeon and other theatre staff can view in real time. The laparoscope can be moved around within the abdominal or pelvic cavity to give several different views. Investigations using laparoscopy are routinely performed under a general anaesthetic as a day case, without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. Laparoscopic treatment may require one or more nights as an inpatient, depending on the exact procedure.
What tests are needed before laparoscopy?
Any preparations depend on the reason for the procedure. For planned, rather than urgent, laparoscopy, you will have a few blood tests, ECG and chest x-ray to make sure it is safe for you to have an anaesthetic. These should reveal potential problems that might complicate the surgery if not detected and treated early.
How is laparoscopy done?
A laparoscopy involves two cuts approximately 5-10mm long. The first cut is made just below/above or in the navel. A hollow needle is inserted. This is then connected to a supply of carbon dioxide gas, which is pumped through the needle and into the abdomen. This lifts the wall of the abdomen away from the organs inside, making it easier and safer to insert the laparoscope and examine the internal organs.
Our Procedures
- Laparoscopic Appendectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Inguinal hernia
- Adhesion release
