Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy, is a procedure similiar to endoscopy. In laparoscopy, a small tube-like instrument is inserted via a small incision into the body - commonly the abdomen. Enclosed in this tube(the endoscope) are fibreoptic lights, a fibreoptic camera heads and/or surgical heads for minute operations within the body cavity.
How Is It Done?
Laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthesia. Carbon dioxide gas (harmless) is injected through a needle into the abdomen in order to inflate the potential space in the abdomen - this also moves the intestines, which are loosely held, out of the way. The endoscope is then inserted into the space via a small incision. Various procedures can be carried out using the endoscope during a laparoscopic procedure.
What Can Be Done?
Procedures carried out include:
- vaporising or cauterising tissues with a laser or a diathermy (red hot element).
- patches of disease tissue can be destroyed.
- biopsies - that is, little bite sized portions of tissue - can be taken for further tests.
- videolaparoscopy - here a video is attached allowing the surgeon to view the procedure through a TV screen - this is better than operating through the eyepiece.
See also
Endoscopy
Cystoscopy (Bladder)
Colposcopy (Cervix)
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