What is laparoscopy? Don't be afraid, let's learn the details!

When we think of an operation, we all get a little scared. A big incision, a few days in the hospital, a lot of pain... all these come to mind. But today, medicine is very advanced. You may have heard of 'keyhole surgery', or 'operations done with a camera'. That's what we call laparoscopy in medicine. Today, we'll talk about what this really is, why it's done, and whether you should be afraid.

Simply put, what is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that a surgeon performs to diagnose or treat a problem inside your abdomen or pelvic area. Instead of making a large incision, a small incision, less than an inch in size , is made in your abdomen and an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through it.

Think of it this way: a laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera attached to it . The images from this camera are displayed directly on a monitor, like a TV screen, in the operating room. So the surgeon can see the organs inside your abdomen, such as your uterus, liver, and intestines, very clearly on this monitor.

Sometimes, it is possible to perform surgeries such as removing a tumor by making two or three more small incisions and inserting other surgical instruments through them.

What are laparoscopy procedures used for?

This method is usually used to confirm a condition that could not be detected by other tests, for example, a scan. Also, many surgeries are now performed using this method. Because it has many advantages.

The table below lists some of the most common surgeries and tests performed using this method.

Is laparoscopy a major operation?

This is a question that many people ask. Even though the incision is small, it can sometimes be a major surgery . For example, removing the entire gallbladder with this method is a major surgery, just like a regular open surgery. Therefore, only your surgeon can give you the best information about the surgery you are going to have, how to prepare for it, and the recovery time.

How should I prepare before the surgery?

Your doctor will tell you more about this, but in general you should follow these instructions:

• Do not eat or drink anything (even water) after 12 midnight the day before surgery . If you smoke, you should also stop.
• When you come to the hospital, wear comfortable, loose clothing . You may experience some pain in your abdomen after the surgery.
• Please wear flat shoes , not high heels. You may feel a little dizzy and have difficulty walking due to the anesthesia.
• Please remove any jewelry such as rings and necklaces (it is usually permitted to wear a wedding ring).
• If you have nail polish on, remove it.
• Most importantly, arrange in advance for someone to take you home after surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

You will lie down on the operating table and your anesthesiologist will put you completely to sleep (general anesthesia) . So you will not feel any pain and will have no memory of the surgery.

Then, the surgeon makes a small incision near your belly button or below your ribs. Through this, a small amount of harmless carbon dioxide gas is injected into the abdomen to allow a clear view of the organs inside. This creates space inside the abdomen and allows the organs to be seen clearly without sticking together.

Then the laparoscope is inserted. If necessary, other instruments are inserted and the surgery is performed. When the work is finished, the gas that was inserted is removed and the small incisions are sewn up.

A laparoscopic examination to diagnose a disease usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A surgery can take about one to three hours. If the procedure cannot be completed safely using this method, the doctor may have to switch to traditional open surgery.

What are the advantages of laparoscopy over traditional surgery?

These are the biggest advantages of this method.

Are there no dangerous situations?

Like any surgery, laparoscopy carries a small risk, but these are very rare.

• Bleeding or infection from cuts.
• Problems related to anesthesia.
• Very rarely, damage to a nearby organ or blood vessel during surgery.
• Blood clotting.

Your doctor will explain these risks to you in more detail.

What should you do after you get home?

It is important to rest for a day or two after going home.

• Keep the wound clean and dry . Follow your doctor's instructions about bathing.
• Steri-Strips™ (like tape) applied to wounds will fall off on their own after two to three days, or they can be removed. If the wound has been covered with glue, leave it on until it comes off on its own.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after surgery.
• Some gynecological surgeries use a blue dye to check if the fallopian tubes are open. This may cause your urine to turn green for a few days. Don't worry about that .
• You may experience slight difficulty in defecating for a few days. This is normal.

When can I go back to work and exercise?

You can usually go back to work in about three days. Exercise can be started in about a week. However, this will vary depending on the type of surgery you had. Therefore, it is best to ask your doctor about all of this and make sure .

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!

If you experience any of the following symptoms, inform your doctor without delay.

• If you have a fever or feel cold and flu-like.
• If the area around the incision is red, swollen, and pus-like fluid is coming out.
• If vomiting continues.
• If you have burning or other discomfort when urinating.

Laparoscopy is truly a valuable technique in modern medicine. It has helped patients experience less discomfort and recover more quickly. So don't be afraid of it. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about them openly.

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