EXPLANATION OF LAPAROSCOPY AND RELATED PROCEDURES

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a surgical instrument similar to a telescope is inserted through a small incision near the belly button into the abdominal cavity. The abdomen is distended with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow better visualization of the organs within the abdominal cavity. If surgery is to be performed, as is usually the case, other small incisions are made in the lower abdomen to allow further placement of other instruments such as scissors, coagulating devices or lasers.

During the procedure video or still pictures may be taken to allow us to track your procedure and use it for educational purposes. Although laparoscopy is generally considered an outpatient procedure, if surgery is to be done you may be asleep from one to four hours and occasionally longer, and may need to stay in the hospital for up to two or three days. It is more usual, however, to be able to be discharged within one to two days. You should plan, however, to avoid any activities that will require concentration for at least two days. You can usually return to work and moderate activities by the third day. You may need from one to three weeks to return to heavy activities or exercise and for full recovery.

Shoulder pain from the carbon dioxide gas and abdominal distention are common. Your throat may be sore from the tube that is placed into the throat for breathing during the anesthetic. Complications from laparoscopic surgery are very uncommon, but they do sometimes occur. It is also possible that because of complications or because of the discovery of other abnormalities, immediate major abdominal surgery might be necessary and indicated. The chances of these severe complications which, of course, would include severe bleeding is unusual. Because there are many other organs such as the bowel and bladder in and about the pelvis, complications can occur which might require open or major abdominal surgery. Anesthetic, cardiovascular and pulmonary complications are unusual and death is rare.

Other complications, including bleeding, infection, particularly of the navel, inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, injury to the intestines, as embolism to the lungs from carbon dioxide, abnormal gas collection underneath the skin and in the chest, ruptures or hernias in the surgical wound or through the breathing muscles, burns on the skin of the abdomen and inside the abdomen, damage to the kidneys, ureters or bladder, blood clots in the pelvis which might embolize to the lungs and allergic and other untoward reactions to any substance used during the procedure. If major abdominal surgery is required, then complications may include poor healing of the wound, scarring, bowel obstruction and bleeding.

The alternative procedure to laparoscopic surgery is major abdominal surgery. For the most part this alternative method carries the same risks, and requires a much longer recovery period and more pain and discomfort. Our hope is that laparoscopic surgery when possible will provide the patient with diagnosis and treatment at lower risk and less discomfort. We cannot and do not guarantee the success of the procedure, but do believe that the procedure is in your best interest.