Laparoscopy is the observation of the internal abdominal cavity by entering the belly button with a camera and, when necessary, the treatment of diseases using special laparoscopic tools. 20 years ago, laparoscopy was used only in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases. Over time, in the light of the discovery of new methods and technological developments, 90% of cases requiring surgery, including gynecological cancers, can be performed with the laparoscopy technique.
What are the Application Areas of Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy application areas can be examined in two parts: Diagnostic and Operative Laparoscopy. Diagnostic Laparoscopy is usually performed in infertile patients to investigate the cause of infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Operative Laparoscopy is used for ovarian cysts, ovarian or cyst torsion (rotation of the ovary around itself), endometriosis, myoma (uterine tumor) removal, hysterectomy, ectopic pregnancy, clogging of the tubes if there is fluid accumulation in the tubes (hydrosalpinx) in in vitro fertilization patients, ligation and opening of the tubes. It is applied in intra-abdominal adhesions, polycystic ovary syndrome, urinary incontinence, uterine and bladder prolapse and cancer surgeries. Having previous open or closed surgery is not an obstacle for laparoscopy.
How is Laparoscopy Performed?
The patient is prepared in a supine position under general anesthesia. A 1 cm incision is made in the belly button. Through this incision, a special needle (Veres needle) is entered into the abdominal cavity and the abdominal cavity is inflated with approximately 3 liters of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. Then, a camera (Telescope, Laparoscope) is entered through the belly button and the image inside the abdomen is displayed on the screen (monitor) in front of the surgeon. Depending on the technique of the surgery to be performed, 2-3 incisions of 0.5 cm in size may need to be made in the groin and midline through which laparoscopic instruments will be inserted. Surgeries are performed through these small incisions using special laparoscopic surgical instruments. At the end of the surgery, the gas in the abdomen is evacuated and small incisions are closed.
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