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Laparoscopy is a part of what is now being referred to as minimally invasive surgery. The patient is under general anesthesia and a thin fiberoptic scope is inserted through the belly button to give the surgeon a view of the pelvis and abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas which is easily absorbed at the end of the surgery.

Often, accessory incisions are made 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length along the "bikini line" to allow the surgeon to use instruments to perform whatever tasks that need to be done. In this way he is able to perform complex surgical tasks without creating a large and painful incision in the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopy can be very useful in making a correct diagnosis and treating the causes of pelvic pain or infertility. It can be used to ligate or "tie" the fallopian tubes as a means for birth control. Laparoscopy is also used for hysterectomy and other gynecological surgeries. Over the last decade surgeons have developed laparoscopic gall bladder removal, appendectomy, and other procedures. Recent advances in instrument technology have allowed some laparoscopic procedures to be done with the patient awake, but sedated.

What are the side effects?

Most patients are tender over the port sites for a few days, while some patients are nauseated from anesthesia. Shoulder discomfort is also reported as a result of the stretching of the abdominal wall by the gas. Many of the side affects can be diminished or avoided. Dr. Simckes uses a technique known as preemptive analgesia where the sites are injected with an anesthetic prior to any incision even though you are "asleep". This has been shown to lessen the pain over the port sites. Nausea can be avoided with help from the anesthesiologist who can provide an anti-nausea medication as part of the medications. Dr. Simckes usually pours a small amount of anesthetic into the abdominal cavity at the end of the Laparoscopy. Scientific studies have shown that this may lessen the discomfort from the stretching of the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopy is a very safe procedure in skilled hands. Never the less complications can occur. The bowel, the blood vessels, the urinary tract, and other organs are rarely injured. A competent surgeon can usually identify and repair these. Sometimes they go unnoticed, so it is important to report any new symptoms, such as fever, that appear in the postoperative period. The surgeon will review all these issues prior to the procedure.