What is diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that evaluates the causes of pain, bleeding, lumps, or diseases in the abdomen. Diagnostic laparoscopy is also called exploratory laparoscopy.
This procedure is done under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a few small incisions are made, a cannula (a narrow tube-like instrument) is placed into the abdominal cavity in the upper abdomen or flank just below the ribs.
A laparoscope (a tiny telescope) connected to a special camera is inserted through the cannula. This gives the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal organs on a screen. Other cannulas are inserted, allowing the surgeon to see the internal organs and decide on the proper diagnosis or treatment.
After the procedure, the surgeon closes the small incisions with absorbable sutures or surgical tape.
Why is exploratory laparoscopy performed?
Exploratory laparoscopy is usually performed for following diagnostic purposes:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal mass
- Abdominal infection
- Fluid in abdomen (ascites)
- Injury to the abdominal organs
- Liver disease
- Cancer staging
What are the common complications of exploratory laparoscopy?
Any procedure may have complications associated with it. The most frequent complications include:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia risk (headache and dizziness)
- Injury to the abdominal organs, intestines, urinary bladder, or blood vessels
- Leak from one of the operative sites
In some patients, the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. The decision to go for an open procedure may be made by the surgeon either before or during the actual operation.
When the surgeon feels that converting the laparoscopic procedure to an open one is a better option, it’s strictly based on patient safety.
How long does it take to recover from exploratory laparoscopy?
Recovery time from the laparoscopic procedure is different for everybody. It depends on factors such as
- the reason the procedure was carried out (whether it was used to diagnose or treat a condition),
- the patient’s general health condition, and
- potential complications for the patient.
If a laparoscopy procedure was done to diagnose a condition, the patient can probably resume normal activities within five days. The recovery period after laparoscopy to treat a condition varies.
What are the advantages of exploratory laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is useful for making a definitive clinical diagnosis in cases of doubtful diagnosis. Below are some common advantages of exploratory laparoscopy:
- Reduced risks
- Decreased postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
SLIDESHOW
Appendicitis: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Appendectomy in Detail See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top How Long Does an Exploratory Laparoscopy Take Related Articles
Abdominal Adhesions (Scar Tissue)
Abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal organs and tissues. Symptoms of abdominal adhesions are pelvic or abdominal pain. Abdominal adhesions on the intestines can cause bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency. Treatment for abdominal adhesions is generally surgery to cut the adhesions away from the internal tissues and organs. There is no way to prevent abdominal adhesions.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a ballooning or widening of the main artery (the aorta) as it courses down through the abdomen. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms produce no symptoms. Treatment may include observation or surgical repair.
Abdominal Migraines in Children and Adults
Abdominal migraine in adults and children is a variant of migraine headaches. Abdominal migraine in children generally occurs in children who have a family history of migraines. Causes of abdominal migraine is not known. Symptoms of abdominal migraine include acute, severe, midline abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, paleness, and inability to eat. Abdominal migraine is diagnosed through patient history, family history, and ruling out other medical causes. Treatment of abdominal migraine include tricyclic antidepressants and triptans.
What Causes Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
What's Causing Your Abdominal Pain?
In general, abdominal pain, which may be in the lower left or right of your abdomen, is a symptom of many possible conditions including appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and others. It may accompany constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Find out the potential causes of pain in the abdomen and learn when you should see a doctor.
Belly Fat Quiz
Did you know there is a medical term for belly fat? Find out what it is and learn why getting rid of belly fat may be the best thing for your health. Take the Belly Fat Quiz.
Byfavo (remimazolam)
Byfavo (remimazolam) is a benzodiazepine administered by injection to sedate adults who have to undergo minor surgical procedures lasting 30 minutes or less.
Hernia (Abdominal Hernia, Types, and Surgery)
A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes from the space in which it is normally contained. Symptoms of a hernia include pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, and fever. Hernias are diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests. Some hernias may be held in place with a supportive belt. Other hernias require surgical repair. The prognosis of people who undergo elective hernia repair tends to be good.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery is performed through three or more 5 to 10 mm incisions in the abdomen. A blood test, lung function test, ECG, chest X-ray, and other tests may be performed prior to surgery.
What Is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a surgery involving the reconstruction of the abdominal wall in order to restore anatomy and function. For example, abdominal wall reconstruction can be used to repair a hernia of the front of the abdomen. The abdominal wall (or the belly) protects the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, the liver and others and helps maintain posture while supporting the spine. The abdominal wall also assists in important body functions such as coughing, urination, and defecation.
What Is Laparoscopy in Gynecology?
Laparoscopy in gynecology (gynecological laparoscopy) is a less invasive alternative to open surgery. The procedure involves using a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a light connected to a camera) to look inside the pelvic area to diagnose gynecological disorders or to perform surgery to treat gynecological conditions.
What Is Laparoscopy Used For?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery that helps diagnose and treat many health conditions. A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and small video camera on the end. The tube is put into a small surgical cut made through the abdominal wall near the belly button.What Is Operative Laparoscopy?
Operative laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal disorders. Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a thin, flexible, tube-like instrument into the patient’s abdomen.