Contents:
Medical Video: Diagnostic Pelvic Laparoscopy Exam
Definition
What is diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is an operation using a medical telescope to look at the abdomen and pelvic organs. In some women, light treatment can be done at the same time.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is done to find out the causes of lower abdominal pain and pelvic pain, certain problems, and infertility. This operation is also performed to check if you experience endometriosis, pelvic infection, adhesion, fallopian tube canal damage, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts or fibroids.
When do I need to undergo diagnostic laparoscopy?
When other tests cannot provide sufficient data for diagnostic needs, laparoscopy can provide the necessary data in detail. This test can also be done to take a biopsy.
The doctor will recommend a laparoscopic test to examine the following organs:
- Appendix
- gall bladder
- heart
- pancreas
- small and large intestine
- spleen
- stomach
- pelvic organs or reproduction
By observing these parts, the doctor can check:
- stomach ache
- abdominal mass or tumor
- fluid in the abdominal cavity
- heartache
- effectiveness of certain treatments
- cancer development
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy?
Risk of infection can occur. You may be given antibiotics to prevent complications from happening. Diagnostic laparoscopy may be done if your intestine is swollen, there is fluid in the stomach (ascites), or you have done an operation before.
Are there alternatives to diagnostic laparoscopy?
Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans may be needed to determine the cause of certain symptoms that occur to you.
Process
What should I do before a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Your doctor may ask you not to eat anything 8 hours before the test. The doctor will also ask you to stop taking certain medications, including painkillers before the test is done. You may not replace or take medication without the doctor's permission. Follow the doctor's advice correctly.
What is the diagnostic laparoscopic process?
This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 20 minutes.
The surgeon will dissect one or two small parts in your stomach. Then the surgical instruments are inserted along with the telescope so that they can see the inside of your stomach and carry out mild medical procedures.
What should I do after a diagnostic laparoscopy?
You can go home the same day after surgery. The doctor will tell you about the results of laparoscopy and discuss the treatment that is right for you. You can rest for one to two days. You may also take painkillers if you need them. Regular exercise will help you return to normal activities immediately. Before you start exercising, ask the health team or doctor for advice.
Complications
What complications can occur?
The most common complications are bleeding and infection, rare. However, each operation has the risk of complications, for example:
- reaction to general anesthesia
- inflammation of the abdominal wall
- blood clots, which can spread to the pelvis, legs, lungs. Blood clots can spread to the heart or brain (rare)
There is a risk of organ piercing, which can cause the intestines to leak. Bleeding in the abdominal cavity may also occur. Open surgery (laparotomy) should be done immediately if this complication occurs.
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