Lenox Hill Surgeons

What is a Diagnostic Laparoscopy?

Diagnostic laparoscopy is used to identify the internal organs of the pelvis to detect any diseases or disorders. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive and quick procedure that requires only a few small incisions to examine the internal organs. For examination, the doctors uses a laparoscope in this process. Laparoscope is an innovative tool with a camera that a doctor inserts into the body through the small incisions. It connects to a high-resolution monitor on which the surgeon can see the inside of an abdomen.

When do you need a Diagnostic Laparoscopy?

You will need to have a diagnostic laparoscopy for any of the several conditions that may indicate some disease or disorder in the lower abdominal or pelvic area.

Abdominal Pain

If you experience acute or chronic abdominal pain, you might need a laparoscopy diagnosis to identify the cause of the pain. The causes can include:

  • Appendicitis
  • Pelvic infections
  • Adhesive scar tissues
  • Endometriosis
  • Bowel Syndrome
  • Abdominal Bleeding
  • Cancer
  • Fluid accumulation in abdomen
  • Infection or problem with digestive organs like the stomach, intestine or pancreas

Lump in Abdominal

You may feel a mass or lump inside your abdominal area that might be painful or painless. When you experience abdominal pain, your doctor will conduct an examination to feel the lumps, which you cannot see or feel. In both cases, your doctor will ask you to get a diagnostic laparoscopy. Your surgeon might even collect some tissues from the abdominal mass for biopsy. If there are any lumps, this could be an indication of the presence of tumor in some cases.

Examination of Reproductive Organs

One of the main reasons for getting a diagnostic laparoscopy is the examination of reproductive organs. Both men and women may need to get laparoscopy for the following reasons:

  • Bleeding
  • Severe pain during urination, menstruation or ejaculation
  • Decreased fertility – not getting successfully pregnant
  • Any unusual and discomforting symptoms in the pelvic area or reproductive organs

Process of Laparoscopic Diagnosis

First the surgeon will give you sedatives to relax. Also, an anesthesia expert will give you general anesthesia before the surgery. You will get a breathing tube in your throat and a catheter in your urinary bladder for draining the urine. Your surgeon will use a special instrument to make a small incision below your naval.

Through the hole, they will release a gas to inflate the pelvic area for examination. After that, your surgeon will insert the laparoscope, which would help view the inside of your abdomen. Your surgeon might make further incisions to move the organs out of way for better view. After that, the surgeon will collect fluid or scar tissues for biopsy.

Your surgeon will allow the carbon dioxide gas to move out of your body. They will remove the catheter and make the necessary stitches. The whole process would take only 30-60 minutes. You will get a discharge within a few hours after the surgery.

What to do before and after Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Before getting diagnostic laparoscopy, you should tell your doctor if you are on any medications or had any surgery before. You must tell your doctor about your recent medical condition. Your doctor might change your medication that can interfere with the process or give you new ones to prepare your body for the surgery. You must tell your doctor if you think you are going to get pregnant.

The recovery after diagnostic laparoscopy is quick but it can vary from person to person, depending upon how their body reacts to the surgery. You need to do the following after the surgery:

  • Take maximum rest and get enough sleep
  • Don’t engage in heavy or tiring physical activities
  • Do light exercises or stretches to avoid chances of blood clot
  • Wear clothes that have loose fitting

Do you feel abdominal pain or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above? If yes, then contact us or book an appointment for a consultation. We have the best surgeons for diagnostic laparoscopy in NYC. Call us at 212-988-1136 or visit our website for more information.

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