Laparoscopy treatment is a procedure where a rod-like miniature telescope, named a Laparoscope, made of fibre optics emits light from its end and projects an image onto a television monitor. The Laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a hallow tube or port. It is usually placed just below the belly button (umbilicus) through a small incision about 1 cm long. With the abdomen, distended by carbon dioxide, allows the surgeon to inspect the abdominal contents from the inside without having to make a long cut in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopy treatment is a surgery (or minimally invasive surgery) is a method of performing an operation through the ‘keyhole’.
Once the camera or laparoscopy has been inserted, other, usually smaller ports can be placed elsewhere in the abdomen through which instruments on sticks can access the abdominal cavity. With the surgeon able to see on a television monitor the operation can be performed using these miniature instruments without having to create painful wounds which would otherwise be required to allow the surgeon’s hands and instruments inside.
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a very popular procedure. It is a very frequent key hole operation and is advantaged in its quicker return to activity and a significant reduction in the risk of chronic groin pain compared with its open counterpart.
Laparoscopy Treatment FAQs
How painful is the Laparoscopy Treatment and what can be done to relieve the pain?
Because the operation is performed without the bigger cuts associated with open surgery pain is usually much less. The need for strong painkillers such as opiates is very much reduced and patients recover quicker. Most patients require only a few days of oral painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How long will I have to be in the hospital?
Most laparoscopic surgery can be performed as a day case or with one postoperative night in hospital. More major key-hole surgery such as a bowel resection may need 2 or perhaps 3 nights in hospital. The patient’s age, social circumstance and general medical health may all have a bearing on the patient’s discharge from hospital, this will be discussed in your appointment.
When I get home will there be a long recuperation period?
Patients usually return to normal activity much quicker than they would from open surgery.
Will I have to change my diet for the Laparoscopy Treatment?
Even for the more major operations, with modern enhanced recovery programmes, patients return to a normal diet very quickly. Small incisions, pain killers not associated with nausea and early return to activity all help patients to return quickly back to normal.
How long before I can get back to work?
It depends on the operation performed but usually one to two weeks off work is all that is required. Some forms of demanding physical work may need longer and the consultant will advise in each case.
Find out more on our FAQs page.