Laparoskopi Nedir?

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that allows surgeons to access the abdominal cavity and pelvis without making large incisions in the skin.

Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is performed with devices called laparoscopes. A laparoscope is a thin lighted tube with a high-resolution camera at the end, allowing the inside of the abdomen or pelvis to be easily seen. The images obtained from the camera are projected onto a monitor and the surgeon performs the procedures by following them on this monitor. In addition to the laparoscope, which allows the inside of the body to be seen, several tube-like devices are used to perform procedures in the abdomen. Under normal conditions, a large incision must be made to clearly see the inside of the abdomen with the open surgery method, while only a few 1-1.5 cm incisions are required in the laparoscopy technique. It brings great advantages such as the risk of complications, recovery time and scar formation after surgery. This method, which was previously preferred only for gallbladder and gynecological surgeries, is now preferred for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for the liver, intestines and many other organs.

How is laparoscopy performed?

Laparoscopy is an operation performed under general anesthesia. Patients’ suitability for anesthesia is checked before surgery. The patient should stop eating and drinking water 12 hours before the operation. Patients taking blood thinners are also asked to stop taking these medications a few days before surgery. At the beginning of the operation, the surgeon makes one or more holes in the abdominal wall. Through these holes, a laparoscope, a tube used to inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide and small surgical instruments are inserted. In laparoscopic surgery, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas for better vision and range of motion. Examinations and treatments are then carried out with instruments inserted through incisions. At the end of the operation, the carbon dioxide gas in the abdomen is drained, the instruments are removed, the incisions are sutured and dressed. In diagnostic laparoscopic surgery, the duration of the procedure is usually between 30-60 minutes. In therapeutic laparoscopy, the duration of surgery varies according to the applications to be performed. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day. Since laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive (less harmful) operation, the risk of complications is much lower compared to open operations. However, since it is a surgical intervention, there may be rare complications such as infection, bleeding and bruising around the incisions, nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia. Due to these possibilities, patients are usually kept under observation for 24 hours. In some patients, antibiotic treatment is preferred against the risk of infection.

What are the Risks of Laparoscopy?

  • Although it is much less likely than open surgery, bleeding, vascular injuries and infection may occur.
  • Organ injuries may occur.
  • Infection of the incision site after surgery.

Things to Consider After Laparoscopy Surgery?

Liquid foods should be taken for the first 12 hours (water, fruit juices, buttermilk, etc.). If there is no nausea and vomiting, solid foods are started. In case of nausea and vomiting or abdominal swelling, you should inform your doctor. You can take a bath 48 hours after the operation.

When Does Abdominal Swelling Go Away After Laparoscopy Surgery?

In general, this swelling gradually decreases within the first 1 week. If exercises are started 1 or 2 months after the surgery, there is no swelling in the abdomen. It is not expected to have abdominal swelling due to surgery in the long term.

How many days after menstruation is laparoscopy performed?

In the procedure performed for suspected infertility, laparoscopy should be performed within a few days following the end of the menstrual period.

How many days after laparoscopy is sexual intercourse allowed?

Short-term sexual activity restriction is applied after laparoscopy. In cases where invasive surgery is not performed, mild vaginal bleeding after the procedure and the blue color of the dye applied to control the tubes may persist for a few days. Therefore, sexual activity may be possible after three to four days.

When Can I Get Pregnant After Laparoscopy?

After laparoscopy, depending on the nature of the disease that caused the surgery and the condition of the patient after surgery, the chance of getting pregnant within 3-6 months can increase by close to 50 percent.

How long after laparoscopy can IVF be performed?

Approximately 50% of couples who cannot get pregnant after laparoscopic endometriosis surgery spontaneously become pregnant within 12 months. In those who cannot conceive spontaneously, IVF should be performed after waiting for 1 year.

How many days after menstruation is laparoscopy performed?

In the procedure performed for suspected infertility, laparoscopy should be performed within a few days following the end of the menstrual period.