What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is used to examine and diagnose the organs inside the abdomen. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is done through small incisions in the abdomen.
Why do I need a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy procedures are usually recommended for people who have undiagnosed abdominal pain. It is typically performed when non-invasive tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans or MRI scans have not provided enough information.
What happens during a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy procedures are usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means that you should be able to go home on the same day as your surgery.
You will be given a general anaesthesic for this procedure. This will ensure that you will sleep through the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
During the procedure Dr Ozman will use a small instrument called a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a bright light and camera at the front. The laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen and sends images to a video monitor. A laparoscopy allows Dr Ozman to see inside your body in real time. He may also take a biopsy sample or pictures during the procedure.
What is the cost of a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopies can be performed in both public and private hospitals. If you choose to have your procedure in a private hospital, a portion of the cost may be covered by your private health insurance. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your insurance provider.
Please contact the Sydney GI Surgery team to discuss your needs and for an accurate assessment of the cost involved.
What are the risks of a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and common procedure, however, some risks are involved. These include:
- Bleeding
- Damage to the organs being examined (this is rare but will require surgery to repair)
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to the anaesthetic
Recovery from a diagnostic laparoscopy
After your procedure your vital signs will be monitored for a number of hours. After that you will be allowed to go home. In some cases, you may have to stay in hospital overnight. Your surgeon will talk to you about what is best for you.
A friend or family member will need to drive you home as the effects of the anaesthesia may take several hours to wear off and it will be unsafe for you to drive.
Over the next day or two you may experience moderate pain or throbbing around the areas where the incisions were made. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications for this.