Why Should You Choose Laparoscopy?
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The point of a laparoscopy is to examine the organs that are inside the abdomen in a minimally invasive manner. Laparoscopy, which is also referred to as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a low-risk minimally invasive procedure. It is called a laparoscopy because of the tool used to view the abdomen organs, which is called a laparoscope. It is a long thin tube with a high quality light and camera on the end which allows doctors to fully examine the abdomen. There are plenty of reasons you should choose a laparoscopy rather than other surgical methods for your stomach when available.
Why Laparoscopy is Right For You
Reasons Why Laparoscopy is Performed
One of the main reasons doctors will perform a laparoscopy is to find out the source of abdominal or pelvic pain. Another reason you would choose a laparoscopy would be when other methods cannot diagnose what the issue is. Laparoscopy can also be performed to simply take a biopsy, which is a sample of tissue, from wherever it was needed in the abdomen. Laparoscopy is usually recommended if you are experiencing pain or problems with the following organs: appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, small and large bowel, spleen, stomach and pelvic or reproductive organs.
Risks Associated With Laparoscopy
Although rare, the most common risks that you take when going through laparoscopy is bleeding and infections. The major risks associated with laparoscopy are signs of or actual infections in the stomach. Some things you need to look out for are if stomach pain becomes more intense, or you experience chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, inability to urinate or persistent cough. You also should contact your doctor if there are problems with the incision site such as redness, swelling, bleeding or drainage. One of the smallest risks is the possibility of damage to the organs in your stomach. If this were to occur, you would need another surgery to repair any damage that happened.
How to Prepare for Laparoscopy
First things first, you must notify your doctor if you are taking any sort of medication before the surgery. If on prescription medication, your doctor could change the dosage to help prepare for the laparoscopy. You will also prepare by taking blood tests, a urinalysis, electrocardiogram and x-rays. Your doctor will also suggest other imaging tests to help understand the issue at hand. Like most surgeries, you will need to avoid eating and drinking the night before and leading up to your surgery, and you will not be able to drive after due to the anesthesia.
Recovery Time for Laparoscopy
For several hours after the surgery is completed you will be observed until it is deemed you can be released from the hospital. Vital signs will be monitored closely throughout this recovery time, as well as checking if you are having any reactions to medicine. Your release time will vary on all of these factors. Someone will drive you home from the hospital once released. You will feel pain for a few days after the surgery, during which you can use medication or ice and rest to relieve the pain. You can resume normal activities usually within a week of the surgery.
Laparoscopic Surgery in New Jersey
There are many benefits to laparoscopy in trying to diagnose what is wrong with your stomach. It is minimally invasive, offers a short recovery time, and is a very accurate surgery to explore your condition. In New Jersey, there is no one better at performing laparoscopic surgery than Somerset Urological Associates in Somerville, New Jersey. Our experienced physicians offer a wide variety of services for all of your urological needs. Contact us today to plan your visit to SUA.