Understanding Laparoscopy Surgery

A laparoscopy is a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to examine the abdomen and pelvis without the need for large incisions. Using a thin, lighted instrument called a laparoscope, surgeons can see inside the body and even perform certain treatments, all through a small cut in the abdominal wall.

This advanced technique is a cornerstone of modern medicine, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits to address conditions involving the appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, intestines, spleen, stomach, or pelvic and reproductive organs. In fact, nearly 15.2 million laparoscopic procedures were performed in 2023 alone.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

• Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopy uses small incisions, typically just 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters, instead of the large cuts required in open surgery. This results in less pain and discomfort after surgery, a lower risk of infections, and minimal scarring for better cosmetic results.
• Faster Recovery: Because laparoscopy causes less trauma to the body, patients heal faster, resulting in shorter hospital stays, a quicker return to daily activities, and lower overall healthcare costs. Plus, it reduces internal scarring and adhesions, which is especially helpful for abdominal and pelvic surgeries.
• Greater Precision and Better Outcomes: The laparoscope's high-definition camera gives surgeons a clear, magnified view of the surgical area, allowing for more accurate procedures, fewer complications, and less blood loss, reducing the need for transfusions.

Are You a Candidate?

Laparoscopy can help diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you're experiencing certain symptoms or have specific medical concerns, including:

• Unexplained abdominal pain: To identify the cause of persistent or severe discomfort.
• Fertility concerns: To assess potential causes of infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis: To diagnose and, if necessary, treat this condition, which can cause pain and fertility issues.
• Ovarian cysts or fibroids: To remove growths or confirm their nature.
• Cancer-related procedures: To biopsy or stage certain cancers involving abdominal or pelvic organs.

What to Expect

Before

Preparation for laparoscopy begins well before the surgery day to ensure a smooth experience and optimal recovery. Patients are typically asked to fast, avoiding food and drink for 8–12 hours before the procedure. If you're taking medications, especially blood thinners, your doctor may advise stopping or adjusting them temporarily. Based on your age and health, pre-operative tests such as blood work, imaging, or an ECG may be required.

On the day of surgery, be sure to bring necessary items like your ID, insurance card, and list of medications. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. If possible, prepare your home with easy-to-heat meals and any essentials for post-surgery recovery.

During

Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery. The procedure typically begins with a small incision near the navel, through which the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the surgeon to work. A laparoscope—a thin tube equipped with a high-resolution camera—is then inserted, providing a magnified view of your internal organs on monitors in the operating room.

Depending on the type of procedure, additional small incisions may be made to insert surgical instruments. These instruments allow the surgeon to perform diagnostic or therapeutic tasks, such as removing tissue samples or addressing conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts. Once the procedure is complete, the gas is released, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue, and the patient is moved to a recovery area.

After

After laparoscopy, patients are monitored in a recovery area as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Mild discomfort, bloating, or shoulder pain from the carbon dioxide gas are common and typically subside within a few days. Most patients can go home the same day, but someone will need to drive you. Your doctor will provide instructions on caring for your incisions, managing pain, and recognizing signs of complications, such as fever or excessive redness around the incision sites.

Recovering from Laparoscopy

Here's a general overview of what patients can expect following a laparoscopy procedure:

Immediate Post-Op (1-2 days)

• Patients typically stay in the hospital for a few hours to 1-2 days, depending on the procedure.
• Some pain and discomfort around incision sites is normal.
• Shoulder pain due to residual carbon dioxide gas is common.

First Week

• Most patients can return to light activities within a few days.
• Pain should gradually decrease, manageable with prescribed pain medications.
• Fatigue and some abdominal bloating may persist.

2-3 Weeks

• Many patients can return to work, depending on the nature of their job.
• Most normal activities can be resumed, but heavy lifting should be avoided.
• Incisions should be healing well.

4-6 Weeks

• Full recovery for most laparoscopic procedures.
• Patients can usually resume all normal activities, including exercise.

Symptoms to Monitor

During the recovery period, patients should watch for signs of complications and reach out to our team if they occur:

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from incisions
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to urinate or have a bowel movement
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Calf pain or swelling (could indicate blood clot)
• Excessive bleeding
• Signs of infection like chills or night sweats
• Persistent abdominal swelling or pain that worsens over time

Risks and Side Effects of Laparoscopy

While laparoscopy is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it is still a surgical intervention and carries some risks and potential side effects. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and provide guidance on recognizing and managing complications during recovery.

Common Side Effects

• Temporary bloating or abdominal discomfort due to the carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure
• Mild shoulder pain caused by gas pressure on the diaphragm
• Soreness or bruising around incision sites

• Bleeding or infection at the incision sites
• Internal organ damage (rare, but possible if surgical instruments come into contact with organs)
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly after longer procedures