Elective Diagnostic Laparoscopy | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Elective Diagnostic Laparoscopy

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What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?

A diagnostic laparoscopy is an operation using keyhole surgery to look at your abdominal and pelvic organs. For some people minor treatments can be performed at the same time.

What are the benefits of surgery?

A diagnostic laparoscopy is good for finding out the cause of abdominal and pelvic pain.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

It may be appropriate to try to find the cause of your symptoms using a blood test, x-rays and scans.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but various anaesthetic techniques are possible.

The operation usually takes about 20 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a small cut on or near your umbilicus (belly button) so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide). They will make one or two small cuts on your abdomen so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen.

Your surgeon will insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope so they can see inside your abdomen and perform any minor procedures.

How soon will I recover?

The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the laparoscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

Rest for 1 to 2 days and take painkillers if you need them.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Feeling or being sick
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Bleeding
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
Developing a hernia
Surgical emphysema
Failure to find out what the problem is
Failed procedure
Infection of the pelvic organs or bladder

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A diagnostic laparoscopy is a common operation. It helps to find out the cause of certain abdominal and pelvic problems. For some people minor treatments can be performed at the same time.

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Jade Baker

“Just had a total knee replacement at this fabulous hospital. From the moment you walk through the door you feel at ease. Everyone was so kind and caring. I was very nervous before my operation, but was soon assured everything would be fine. Thank you to all of you I met over my 4 day stay xx.”

Margaret Dawson

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Leanne Helm

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