Laparoscopy

Overview

Laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure in which instruments are placed through several small incisions, into the abdominal and pelvic cavities. One instrument is a camera that allows the surgeon to use the other instruments while watching them on a video monitor in the operating room. This technique allows for the examination of organs; biopsy of abnormal areas; excision of tumors, cysts, or other masses; lysis of adhesions; and a variety of other procedures in an outpatient setting. Because laparoscopy requires such small incisions, recovery after the procedure is quite rapid. Further, there is a minimum of postoperative pain compared to open surgical procedures.

References

Parsons LH, Stovall TG. Surgical management of chronic pelvic pain. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1993;20:765-78.

Swank DJ, Swank-Bordewijk SC, Hop WC, van Erp WF, Janssen IM, Bonjer HJ, Jeekel J. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with chronic abdominal pain: a blinded randomised controlled multi-centre trial. Lancet 2003;361(9365):1247-51.