What are Laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries?

Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery is a kind of procedure used to treat and detect women’s health problems. During laparoscopic surgery, a slender, light tube known as a laparoscope with a video camera is inserted through a stab incision in the abdomen which helps to visualize inside pelvic organs like fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It takes a shorter time for healing and also leaves minimal scars compared to open surgery. The patient can return back home on the day of the surgery itself.

Why is Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery performed?

This surgery is used for the following conditions:

• Treatment and diagnosis of endometriosis
• Myomectomy for Uterine Fibroids
• Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy
• Female sterilization
• Removal of uterus - hysterectomy
• Removal of ovaries - oophorectomy
• Removal of an ovarian cyst
• Blocking blood flow to fibroids
• Vault suspension to treat a prolapsed uterus

How do you prepare for Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery?

Not much preparation is needed for a Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. The doctor might instruct a few guidelines that need to be followed before the procedure is carried out:

• The doctor will give details of the technique and will give sufficient opportunity to clarify any doubts and queries regarding the technique.
• Consent will be taken to ensure the patient’s approval for performing the technique.
• Further to an absolute medical history, the doctor might carry out a complete physical examination to make certain that the patient is in good health to undergo this technique.
• A patient may be asked not to eat or drink for some hours before the procedure.
• One may need to wear compression stockings to avoid blood clots from developing in the veins in the legs.
• An enema may also be required.
• The doctor must be informed about any known allergic reaction to any anesthetic agents, tape, medications or latex.
• Notify the doctor about pregnancy if any.
• Notify the doctor about previous treatments taken for cervical, vaginal, or pelvic infections in the past 6 weeks.
• Inform the doctor about any preexisting lung or heart problems.
• Always come and leave assisted from the hospital if the procedure involves sedation.

What are the precautions that need to be taken after the procedure?

• After the completion of the procedure, the patient may have to stay back at the hospital for a few hours if sedated with general anesthesia.
• The time for recovery is dependent on the type of procedure that was performed. One may be able to resume regular day-to-day activities after certain procedures, but a few may require a day or two of hospital stay.
• One may observe tenderness and bruising around the belly button and on the abdomen post-surgery, which will eventually disappear.
• The patient may also feel nauseated for the rest of the day after the procedure, which is a side effect of sedation.
• Complications are rare, but if any of the below occur, seek medical care immediately:
  • Severe abdominal pain/abdominal distension
  • Prolonged nausea and episodes of vomiting
  • High fever (more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Bleeding and pus discharge at the incision site
  • Painful urination and bowel movements