What are the benefits of laparoscopy?
The main benefit of laparoscopy is the fact that it avoids large incisions. As a result, laparoscopy is associated with:
- Much less blood loss
- Lower chance of infections in the surgical wound or incisional hernia
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter recovery of the patients
- Better cosmetic outcome in the areas of incision
How is a laparoscopic surgery performed?
General anaesthesia is required in laparoscopic surgeries. The gynaecologic surgeon first creates a small incision on the skin under the navel, through which he gains visibility in the inner abdomen (peritoneal cavity). This is followed by abdominal distension with air so as to create distance among the organs, improve doctor’s visibility and make his surgical movements easier while avoiding injury. After distention of the abdomen, the gynaecologic surgeon inserts a camera (laparoscope) through the initial incision, which projects the image of the abdomen on a special screen. Then, depending on the type of surgery, usually 3 or 4 more small incisions (1cm) in the abdomen are necessary in order to insert the special surgical tools for each surgery. Finally, in some cases the doctor must place a tool inside the uterus (uterine manipulator). In this way, his movements can extend the areas for surgery and he is able to perform the operation more safely.
What happens after laparoscopic surgery?
When the surgery is finished, the surgical tools and air are removed from the inner abdomen and the gynaecologic surgeon closes the small skin incisions with special stitches. Then, the patient is transferred to the recovery room, where she stays and is under monitoring for some time. She might sometimes complain about sleepiness or nausea, symptoms associated with the effect of anaesthesia. Postoperative recovery after laparoscopy is very short and the patient is able to walk and eat progressively a few hours later. Depending on the type of surgery and her general medical history, the patient can return home the next day or the next morning in most cases.
What should a woman expect during the first days of recovery?
The patient might mention a “pulling” sensation or mild pain in the incision areas a few days after laparoscopy. Moreover, she might complain about shoulder or back pain, which is caused by the small amount of air remaining in the abdomen. The above symptoms are treated with typical pain relief medication and usually they fully resolve completely within 4-5 days. The patient should avoid lifting objects heavier than 3kg and sexual activity for 2-3 weeks. In the case of hysterectomy, this time period is longer.
Which surgeries can be performed laparoscopically?
Almost all gynaecologic surgeries for benign diseases can be performed laparoscopically. The most important among these are:
- Removal of uterus (total hysterectomy)
- Removal of uterine fibromyomas
- Removal of fallopian tubes or/and ovaries
- Removal of ovarian cysts
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Diagnostic laparoscopy to investigate infertility or chronic pelvic pain
- In addition, surgical treatment of endometrial cancer under conditions
