What is Laparoscopy? Why Is Laparoscopy Performed?
What Does Laparoscopy Mean?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method that allows visualization of intra-abdominal organs through small incisions and intervention if necessary. It is widely used for diagnosis and treatment in many medical fields such as general surgery, gynecology, and urology.
The word laparoscopy originates from Greek, meaning “abdomen (lapara)” and “to observe (skopein).” During this procedure, several small incisions, usually 0.5–1 cm in size, are made in the abdominal wall, and a thin device with a camera at its tip called a laparoscope is inserted. The image is transmitted to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to directly observe the internal structures of the abdomen.
Why Is Laparoscopy Performed?
The reasons for performing laparoscopy can be divided into two main categories: diagnostic and therapeutic.
1. Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Sometimes, imaging methods like ultrasound, MRI, or CT are insufficient. In such cases, direct visual examination via laparoscopy may be necessary.
Common diagnostic uses include:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Gynecological diseases (e.g., endometriosis)
- Evaluation of intra-abdominal masses
- Investigation of causes of infertility
- Detection of intra-abdominal adhesions
2. Therapeutic Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is also a method through which surgical interventions can be performed. Many traditional open surgeries can now be done laparoscopically.
Common therapeutic uses include:
| Application Area | Type of Intervention |
|---|---|
| Gallbladder diseases | Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) |
| Appendicitis | Laparoscopic appendectomy |
| Gynecological diseases | Removal of cysts, fibroids, ectopic pregnancy surgery |
| Hernias | Laparoscopic hernia repair |
| Reflux disease | Surgery for hiatal hernia and reflux |
| Obesity surgery | Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, etc. |
| Intestinal diseases | Tumor removal, obstruction repair |
What Are the Advantages of Laparoscopy?
Because it is a minimally invasive method, laparoscopy offers many benefits:
- Smaller surgical incisions
- Less pain and blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to normal life
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced scarring
For these reasons, laparoscopy has become an essential part of modern surgery.
How Is Laparoscopy Performed?
Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, with the following main steps:
- Anesthesia: The patient is fully sedated.
- Abdominal insufflation: Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdominal cavity, creating a working space.
- Incision: One or more small incisions are made around the navel.
- Insertion of camera and instruments: The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted.
- Procedure: Diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is carried out.
- Closure: Instruments are removed, gas is released, and incisions are sutured.
For Which Diseases Is Laparoscopy Applied?
Laparoscopy is used in diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. Some examples are:
| Disease / Condition | Type of Laparoscopic Intervention |
|---|---|
| Endometriosis | Diagnosis and cyst removal |
| Ovarian cysts | Cystectomy |
| Gallstones | Cholecystectomy |
| Appendicitis | Appendectomy |
| Reflux and hiatal hernia | Fundoplication |
| Obesity | Sleeve gastrectomy |
| Colon cancer | Laparoscopic colon resection |
Is Laparoscopy a Risky Procedure?
Like any surgical procedure, laparoscopy carries some risks; however, the complication rate is lower compared to open surgery. The main risks include:
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to intra-abdominal organs (rare)
- Shoulder pain caused by the gas used to inflate the abdomen
When performed by experienced surgeons, these risks are minimized.
Who Is Not Suitable for Laparoscopy?
Not every patient is suitable for laparoscopy. It is generally not recommended in cases such as:
- Severe intra-abdominal adhesions
- Large intra-abdominal tumors
- Serious heart or lung diseases
- Bleeding disorders
- Advanced pregnancy
In such cases, open surgery may be preferred.
Recovery Process After Laparoscopy
Recovery after laparoscopy is typically faster than open surgery, but it varies depending on the patient’s overall health, the type of procedure, and surgery duration.
First 24 Hours
- Mild pain, gas cramps, and nausea may occur but are temporary.
- The patient is usually discharged on the same or next day.
- Dressings are minimal due to small incisions.
Days 1–7
- Most patients return to daily activities within 3–5 days.
- Heavy physical activity is not recommended.
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness may be present.
After 1 Week
- Gradual return to physical activity.
- Recovery is generally complete.
- Suture removal or check-up occurs around 7–10 days (if non-absorbable sutures are used).
Differences Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery
| Feature | Laparoscopic Surgery | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Size of incisions | Small (0.5–1 cm) | Large (6–15 cm) |
| Recovery time | Faster (3–7 days) | Longer (2–4 weeks) |
| Infection risk | Lower | Relatively higher |
| Pain level | Less | More |
| Scarring | Minimal | More obvious |
| Hospital stay | 1 day or less | 2–5 days |
| Cosmetic appearance | Better | Less preferred |
Frequently Asked Questions About Laparoscopy (FAQ)
Is laparoscopy painful?
No. Since laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. Mild pain, especially shoulder pain due to the gas, may occur afterward but usually resolves within 1–2 days.
When can I return to work after laparoscopy?
After a moderate procedure, most patients return to desk jobs within 3–5 days. For heavy physical work, this may extend up to a week. Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Does laparoscopy leave scars?
The incisions made during laparoscopy are very small, usually leaving 3–4 mm scars that fade over time. It offers significant cosmetic advantages compared to open surgery.
All content on this site is for informational purposes only and is based on scientific sources valid at the time of preparation. For any health-related symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult your physician or an authorized healthcare institution directly.
