Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, is a surgical procedure used to visualize and operate on the abdominal or pelvic organs through small incisions. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Gynecologic Surgery department offers laparoscopic procedures for various gynecologic conditions, providing patients with benefits such as shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and smaller scars.

Procedure:

During a laparoscopy, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen through which a thin, lighted instrument called a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope contains a camera that transmits images of the inside of the abdomen to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to visualize the organs in real-time. Additional surgical instruments may be inserted through other small incisions to perform procedures such as removing cysts, treating endometriosis, or performing tubal ligation.

Indications:

Laparoscopy may be recommended for various gynecologic conditions, including diagnosing and treating endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or performing tubal ligation for contraception. It is also used for procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.

During the Procedure:

During the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and immobility. The surgeon inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create space and better visualize the organs. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are then inserted through the small incisions, and the necessary procedures are performed while monitoring the images on the monitor.

Post-Procedure Care:

After a laparoscopy, patients may experience mild discomfort, bloating, or shoulder pain due to the residual carbon dioxide gas in the abdomen. Pain medication may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort, and patients are usually discharged on the same day or after a short hospital stay. Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is generally faster compared to traditional open surgery, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days to weeks.

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to visualize and operate on the abdominal or pelvic organs through small incisions.

 

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery?

Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include shorter recovery times, reduced pain, smaller scars, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.

 

What conditions can be treated with laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat various gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and perform procedures like hysterectomy or myomectomy.

 

Is laparoscopy performed under general anesthesia?

Yes, laparoscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and immobility during the procedure.

 

How long does it take to recover from laparoscopic surgery?

Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is generally faster compared to traditional open surgery, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual factors.

 

Are there any risks associated with laparoscopy?

While laparoscopy is considered safe, there are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding organs, or complications related to anesthesia. It is essential to discuss any concerns with the healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

 

When can I expect to see the results of laparoscopic surgery?

The results of laparoscopic surgery depend on the specific procedure performed and the underlying condition being treated. Patients may experience immediate relief of symptoms or gradual improvement over time, depending on the nature of the problem.