What is a laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a commonly performed operative procedure in which the contents of the abdomen or pelvis are inspected using a laparoscope.
A laparoscope is a long thin instrument made up of:
A light source to light up the inside of the abdomen or pelvis
Fibre-optic fibres to transmit images from inside the abdomen or pelvis
These images are transmitted to an eyepiece held by the investigator and may also be transmitted to a monitor or video camera.
What are the reasons for having a laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is performed:
To diagnose the cause of abdominal pain (eg an abscess),
To diagnose the cause of gynaecological pain (eg endometriosis),
During infertility treatment to investigate the cause of infertility and to monitor the effects of infertility drugs on the ovaries,
What happens during a laparoscopy?

A laparoscopy involves two tiny cuts. The first cut is made just below the navel and a hollow needle is inserted through it into the abdomen. This is then connected to a supply of carbon dioxide gas, which is then pumped through the needle into the abdomen. This pushes the wall of the abdomen up and away from the organs inside, making it easier and safer for inserting the laparoscope and also making it easier to see the internal organs.
The second cut is made elsewhere in the abdomen depending on the reason for the laparoscopy and the laparoscope is inserted through it. (In women undergoing gynaecological investigations, the incision is usually made in the belly button, which minimises visible scarring.) The surgeon can then inspect the internal organs by looking through the eyepiece or at a monitor.
What happens before the laparoscopy?

Preparation before laparoscopy depends on the reason for it and whether surgery will be carried out. Laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic. Before the operation you will see a doctor who checks details of any other medical conditions you may have and performs an examination of your chest and heart.

Blood tests will also be taken to check for anaemia and other conditions that affect your health. It is best to treat anaemia before carrying out an operation because blood is lost during operations and this can worsen the effects of a pre-existing anaemia. Anaemia is also a risk factor for developing infections after surgery.
What should I expect in hospital?

If the laparoscopy is being carried out as a routine procedure (ie not as an emergency), it will often be carried out as a day-case. This involves: Admission to hospital early in the morning,

Administration of a general anaesthetic. Sometimes other types of anaesthetic (such as an injection to block temporarily all the nerves to the abdomen) are used instead,

The laparoscopy,

Close monitoring with regular checks on pulse, blood pressure and temperature for a few hours afterwards to make sure there are no complications,

Discharge home on the same day with pain-relieving medication and written instructions about what to expect and what care is needed.

What happens after the laparoscopy?

There may be some discomfort in the abdomen for a day or two after laparoscopy due to the presence of some remaining carbon dioxide gas. This will gradually be absorbed by the lining of the abdomen.
Any other symptoms will depend on whether any keyhole surgery has been carried out and, if so, what sort of surgery was performed. On discharge the hospital staff will provide:
Information about what symptoms to expect for the particular procedure and when they should go away,