|
How is laparoscopy performed?
Laparosocpy involves passing a lighted video camera (laparoscope)
into the abdominal cavity, in order to allow the surgeon to
visualize the internal organs, from the womb, ovaries, fallopian
tubes to the intestines, gallbladder, liver etc. This procedure
is usually done under general anaesthesia. Carbon dioxide
gas is needed to distend the abdominal cavity to allow proper
visualization during the operation.
What are the gynaecological operations that can be performed
with laparoscopy?
Almost 90% of all gynaecological surgery can be done laparoscopically;
the extent is largely dependent on the experience of the surgeon.
Through three to four cuts of 0.5-1cm sizes on the belly button
and lower half of the tummy, the laparoscope and other instruments
are inserted into the abdomen to perform the surgery. The
type of surgeries ranges from tubal sterilization, treatment
of endometriosis, infertility tubal surgery, removal of ovarian
cysts and fibroids to removal of the entire womb and ovaries.
What are the advantages of laparoscopy?
As the wounds are much smaller when compared to the traditional
open method, the recovery tends to be less painful and faster.
In addition, the chance of wound infection is also much lower.
Finally smaller wounds are certainly better for cosmesis,
ie the appearance of the patient.
|
