Why laparoscopy

This helps your surgeon perform whatever surgical procedure needs to be carried out. It's often possible to diagnose a condition using non-invasive methods, such as an ultrasound scan , computerised tomography CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan. Sometimes, however, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to directly study the affected part of the body using a laparoscope. Laparoscopies are now widely used to diagnose many different conditions and investigate certain symptoms.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications following laparoscopy include:. The small incisions mean that recovery time is quite fast. Most patients can return to their normal activities within one week of surgery. Postoperative pain resolves within a few days and the scarring is minimal.

The surgical alternative to laparoscopy is open surgery laparotomy. Instead of a few small incisions, the abdomen is opened with one large cut. The main disadvantages of laparotomy are the extended hospital stay up to one week or so and the long recovery time. A person who undergoes open surgery can expect at least six weeks of convalescence. Compared to laparoscopy, laparotomy has increased risks of infection and adhesions.

The resulting scars from open surgery are also much more extensive. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction. An appendectomy is usually carried out on an emergency basis to treat appendicitis.

Most people can resume normal activities around three weeks after an arthroscopy. IVF in-vitro-fertilization and ICSI intracytoplasmic sperm injection are assisted reproductive treatment ART procedures in which fertilisation of an egg occurs outside the body. Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration.

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Serious complications after laparoscopy are estimated to occur in 1 out of every 1, cases. Further surgery is often required to treat many of these more serious complications.

Page last reviewed: 01 August Next review due: 01 August The advantages of this technique over traditional open surgery include: a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time less pain and bleeding after the operation reduced scarring When laparoscopy is used Laparoscopy can be used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions that develop inside the abdomen or pelvis. Laparoscopy is most commonly used in: gynaecology — the study and treatment of conditions affecting the female reproductive system gastroenterology — the study and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system urology — the study and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary system Read more about when laparoscopy is used.

How laparoscopy is carried out Laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic , so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Safety Laparoscopy is a commonly performed procedure and serious complications are rare.

Minor complications Minor complications are estimated to occur in 1 or 2 out of every cases following laparoscopy. They include: infection minor bleeding and bruising around the incision feeling sick and vomiting Serious complications Serious complications after laparoscopy are estimated to occur in 1 out of every 1, cases.