Digestive System

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on laparoscopy: American Association of Gynecologic Laparascopists  Phone: 800-554-2245 Email: generalmail@aagl.com  http://www.aagl.com American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons  http://www.aaos.org American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  http://www.acog.org American College of Surgeons  Phone: 312-202-5000 Fax: 312-202-5001 Email: postmaster@facs.org  http://www.facs.org American Gastroenterological Association  http://www.gastro.org American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy  Phone: 978-526-8330

Laparoscopy (pronounced “lap-a-ROSS-coe-pee”) is a surgical procedure performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, using specialized instruments. A pencil-thin instrument called a laparoscope is used, and it gives the surgeon an exceptionally clear view, on a TV monitor, of the inside of the abdominal cavity. A laparoscope has lenses like a telescope to magnify body structures, a

Laparoscopy can be used either to diagnose or to treat various conditions. Or it may be used to identify a problem and treat it in the same operation. Diagnostic laparoscopy allows the doctor to look at structures inside the abdomen and see whether they appear normal or abnormal. It becomes valuable when physical examinations, lab tests,

Dozens of different kinds of operations are now being done using these new minimally invasive techniques. These include operations on the abdomen, heart, reproductive organs, nerves, ear, nose, sinuses, throat, joints, chest organs, urinary tract, and blood vessels. These techniques are also used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may be an appropriate

Laparoscopy is easier on the patient because it uses a few very small incisions. For example, traditional “open surgery” on the abdomen usually requires a four- to five-inch incision through layers of skin and muscle. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor usually makes two to three incisions that are about a half-inch long. The smaller incisions

Since laparoscopy involves minimal damage to body tissues, it is generally safer than open operations. In diagnostic laparoscopy, for instance, complications occur in about three out of every 1,000 operations, a significantly lower number than traditional surgery. A complication is an unforeseen problem that occurs during or after surgery, such as internal bleeding or injury