ABOUT LAPAROSCOPY
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to examine the abdomen to to help make a diagnosis, take a tissue biopsy, or to make surgical repairs. It is a modern surgical technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope is inserted.
A laparoscope is a flexible tube which is fitted with a light and camera which transmits images of the inside of the abdomen to a computer which the surgeon can view. The laparoscope is guided by the surgeon and tools can be attached to take biopsies or make surgical repairs.
In comparison to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery is the preferred option of possible as the recovery time is quicker, and patients will also have smaller scars.
Recommended for
- Diagnosing conditions such as appendicitis, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and abdominal pain
- Diagnosing cancer
- Taking biopsy sample tissues
- Making surgical repairs
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1 – 2 days.
- Average length of stay abroad: 2 – 3 days.
COMPARE LAPAROSCOPY PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 3140€ |
| Poland | 52€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE LAPAROSCOPY ABROAD
The patient will usually be advised to refrain from eating or drinking in the hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Once the patient has been administered with a general anesthetic, the surgeon will begin by making a small incision in the abdomen, usually near the belly button. The surgeon may make more than one incision if a biopsy is being taken or a surgical repair is being made. A tube is then passed through the incision and in order to gain a clear visual inside the abdomen, a gas is passed through the tube which inflates the abdomen.
The laparoscope is passed through the tube to examine the organs. Extra tools may be inserted if a biopsy is taken or repair made. Once the surgery is complete, the gas is released from the abdomen and the incision site is closed with sutures.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Laparoscopy takes 30 to 90 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LAPAROSCOPY
Post procedure care
A dressing will be applied to the incision site and patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions on how to take care of the sutures. Many patients will be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Possible discomfort
Bruising around the surgical site is common and should ease in the days after the procedure. It is normal to experience some lethargy and weakness.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LAPAROSCOPY
Not recommended for
- Patients with abdominal cancer
- Patients that have undergone previous abdominal surgeries should receive special consideration
Potential risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to organs or blood vessels
- Allergic reaction to the general anesthetic
