EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LAPAROSCOPY

by Indira IVF Indira IVF Center For IVF, IUI, ICSI Treatment

Whenever there is a malfunction in the human system, we often wonder what might be wrong and hope to just take a look at the internal organs to figure out the problem. Doctors now have a device which helps in speeding up the diagnosis of a wide range of ailments through a procedure called laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy is a procedure in which a camera is passed through a body opening to visually examine as to what is wrong with the region of complaint. This is performed through a device called laparoscope. A laparoscope is a device which has a high-resolution camera with a high-intensity light. When the laparoscope is passed through the organ, it will be illuminated and also made visible on a screen. With this, one can see the condition of the part being examined.

What is the procedure for laparoscopy?

The laparoscopy procedure is a simple and minimally invasive technique, with least complications and side-effects.

First, for the laparoscopy procedure, the patient is given general or local anaesthesia, depending on the location. A general anaesthesia will put the patient to sleep without consciousness whereas local anaesthesia will only make that particular region numb. Once the patient is prepped for the laparoscopy, they are taken in and the procedure is started.

An incision is made at the lower belly region to pass the laparoscope and cannula. The size of the incision is decided by the expected diagnosis. First, a cannula is passed through the incision followed by the laparoscope. The cannula is to pump carbon dioxide gas which will make it easier for one to view the internal organs.

Next, the laparoscope is slowly inserted into the incision, and guided through the organ. The camera captures the internal organs and displays it on the monitor.

Once the scan is completed, the instruments are removed from the body and the incision is sutured back up.

The patient's recovery is generally very quick and in most of the cases, they can return home on the same day, but are expected to be at rest for a minimum of 3 days.

Laparoscopy for infertility:

Laparoscopic procedure is performed in the female reproductive organ to diagnose and treat some of the cases of infertility. This type of laparoscopy is called gynaecologic laparoscopy. It is performed in case of problems with the female reproductive system. The entire procedure is the same as the procedure of a normal laparoscopy.

In this procedure, the doctor almost always puts the patient under general anaesthesia. The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide so that the abdominal wall is separated from the rest of the internal organs. Then, an incision is made at the navel through which the laparoscope is inserted. Depending on the procedure that is to be performed, the doctors move ahead with the next steps.

Using gynaecologic laparoscopy, one can diagnose the cause for infertility. If the cause for infertility is endometriosis or blocked Fallopian tubes, the adhesion can be removed or disconnected using the laparoscope itself. Procedures like removal of ovarian cysts, tumours, fibroids and even the reversal of a tubal ligation procedure can be performed with minimal invasion and incisions through laparoscopy. All these procedures are laparoscopy for infertility.

Laparoscopy cost:

One of the most important aspect of any medical treatment is the cost of treatment. Medical procedures are a necessity but unfortunately many of the required procedures are priced very high, making them unaffordable for the common man.

Laparoscopy is a key diagnostic aid and sometimes even a mode of treatment for many individuals. In the western countries, the cost for a laparoscopy varies as per procedure. Starting from a price of $5000, the cost may even go up to $15000. While this may be affordable for some individuals, it might be a bit on the expensive side for the general population.

Many people are seen travelling many kilometers for medical procedures in other countries. This concept is called medical tourism and is quite prevalent in India. The cost of most of the medical procedures is much lower than the western countries, while maintaining the standard of treatment, with expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art technology required for the procedures. The cost of ivf treatment in India ranges from $250, for a simple diagnostic test and goes up to $700 for various laparoscopic treatments procedures.

Laparoscopy is a recent technological advancement in the field of medicine which has made many of the procedures minimally invasive compared to the previously existing open surgeries. The healing of these procedures have become much faster, with very small scars and minimal blood loss. As a diagnostic tool, it has become indispensable in the diagnosis of many ailments. It provides visual information on what is going on inside the human body, making diagnosis and treatment plans very accurate and fast. Laparoscopy has proven to be not just a better option cosmetically, but also with respect to safety as well.