If you have been feeling unwell and visited your doctor, he or she may recommend you undergo laparoscopic surgery in London to determine what’s ailing you. In this article, we’ll be sharing some information about what this diagnostic procedure, including its purpose, benefits, risks, and the recovery process. Continue reading to learn more about laparoscopic surgery London.
What is Laparoscopy?
As mentioned above, laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a thin device with an attached camera and light, known as a laparoscope, into the abdomen to help him/her clearly visualize organ damage and disease.
Purpose of the Procedure
Your doctor may recommend laparoscopy to diagnose or treat several health conditions. Some of the common reason for undergoing this procedure include:
- Evacuating certain cancers, including those of the cervix, uterus, and ovary.
- The treatment of a range of disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary inconsistency, and several others.
- The removal of an ectopic pregnancy, lymph nodes, ovarian cysts, uterus, and fibroids.
- The diagnosis and treatment of causes of infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and endometriosis.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
When compared to open surgery, laparoscopy has more benefits than risks. Some of its benefits are:
- Less risk of infection
- Smaller incisions, therefore, less visible scars
- Faster recovery
- Less pain than an open surgery
Risks of the Procedure
Similar to any other surgical procedure, laparoscopic surgery London also has some risks. These risks include:
- Blood clots
- Abdominal infection or inflammation
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Damage to internal organs, such as the ureter, bladder, bowel, stomach, or blood vessels
- Hernia
- Excess bleeding and the potential need for a blood transfusion
Recovery from the Procedure
Carbon dioxide is used during laparoscopic surgery. In case it remains in the body, it may cause shoulder or back pain. Some of the symptoms you may experience for a few days following the procedure include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Irritation of the diaphragm due to the presence of carbon dioxide
- Discomfort at the site of the incision
- A sore throat caused by inserting the breathing tube during surgery
- Fatigue
In case you experience any back or shoulder pain, expect it to resolve within a few days. You will also most likely be able to resume your normal activities within 2 days. However, contact your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, inability to urinate, or signs of infection such as swelling, discharge, fever, redness, or chills.