Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy
What is Laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a type of surgery where doctors look inside your belly or pelvic area using a thin, camera-like tool called a laparoscope. This tool is inserted through a small cut near your belly button. Sometimes, a few more small cuts are made to insert other tools if needed. The camera shows live images on a screen so the surgeon can see what they’re doing inside your body.It’s usually done when other tests can’t explain your symptoms, or when a doctor needs to take a small sample of tissue for testing (biopsy).
Why is Laparoscopy Done?
Laparoscopies are used for many procedures, such as:
Removing cysts, fibroids, small tumors, or polyps
Taking biopsies
Treating endometriosis
Tubal ligation or reversal
Removing ectopic pregnancies
Hernia repairs
Appendix or gallbladder removal
Weight loss surgeries
Reconstructive surgeries (like for vaginal or rectal repair)
How to Prepare
Before your procedure:
Don’t eat, drink, or smoke after midnight the night before
Wear comfortable clothes and low-heeled shoes
Remove any jewelry and nail polish
Arrange for someone to drive you home
What Happens During the Procedure?
You’ll be asleep under general anesthesia
A small cut is made near your belly button, and gas is pumped in to help the surgeon see better
The laparoscope is inserted, and more cuts may be made if other tools are needed
Once the procedure is done, the gas is released and the cuts are closed
Time:
Diagnostic laparoscopy: ~30–60 minutes
Laparoscopic surgery: ~1–3 hours (depending on complexity)
If there are complications, the surgeon may switch to a traditional open surgery.
After Surgery: What to Expect
You’ll wake up in recovery, where they’ll monitor you for a bit
You may feel some pain or bloating from the gas, or have shoulder pain
Pain medication will be given if needed
Benefits of Laparoscopy
Smaller cuts = smaller scars
Less internal damage and bleeding
Faster healing and less time in the hospital
Lower risk of infection
Less need for strong pain medications
Risks and Complications
Though generally safe, risks include:
Bleeding or infection
Damage to nearby organs
Reaction to anesthesia
Abdominal swelling or blood clots (very rare but serious)
Recovery at Home
Rest for at least a day or two
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
Keep the incision area clean and dry
Remove the bandage the next morning; Steri-Strips can come off in 2–3 days
If glue was used, let it fall off naturally
Don’t be alarmed if your pee looks green – this can happen from dye used during the procedure
Bowel movements may take a few days to return to normal
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you have:
A fever or chills
Redness, swelling, or pus around the incision
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Vomiting
Trouble peeing