Definition:
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to have a direct view of the patient’s abdominal and pelvic organs. The direct view of these specific organs helps to diagnose various disease conditions especially infertility and infections involving abdominal organs such as fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, small and large bowel, liver gallbladder etc.
Additional information about the procedure
Preparation for the procedure
- Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior the procedure
- Inform the doctor about allergy to any specific medicine or anesthetic agents
- Wear comfortable clothes and remove jewellery before the procedure
- Arrange for the help and driving back to hotel post procedure
During the procedure
- The procedure is performed in the hospital or outpatient surgical department either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia
- A surgeon makes a small cut on the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope (an endoscopic tube with a tiny video camera) through the cut. The tiny camera enables surgeon to have the direct view of the internal organs
- Additional incisions may be made to insert surgical tools if required
- Laparoscope and other instruments are removed after the completion of examination and incisions are closed and covered with bandages
- Medicines will be given to control the pain and avoid infection post to procedure
Risk and complication
Diagnostic laparoscopy is relatively safe procedure and major complication are rare, few complication associated with it may include
- Infections
- Puncture of adjacent organ
- Bleeding
- Abdominal cramp and discomfort
Uses of the procedure
The diagnostic laparoscopy is advised to detect and diagnose various disease conditions such as
- Appendicitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Benign or malignant tumor(cancerous)
- Evaluate the Injuries to abdomen organs
Travelers guide
- Book the hotel near the hospital preferably at ground floor to take rest after the procedure
- Hospital stay is not required and the patient can go home within a few hours after the procedure. However medical tourist is advised to stay and take rest in hotel/hospital for 1-2 days post procedure as this will help to recover from pain or discomfort post laparoscopy.
- Schedule the next appointment with the specialist for second opinion if required
- Patient may be able to return to work three days post procedure
- Patient should not be allowed to drive for 24hours post procedure
