- What is videolaparoscopy for
- How videolaparoscopy is performed
- When it shouldn't be done
- How is Recovery
- Possible complications
Videolaparoscopy is a technique that can be used for both diagnosis and treatment, the latter being called surgical videolaparoscopy. Videolaparoscopy is performed in order to observe the structures present in the abdominal and pelvic region and, if necessary, remove or correct the alteration.
In women, videolaparoscopy is performed mainly for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, however this is not the first test performed, as it is possible to reach the diagnosis through other tests, such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance, for example, which are less invasive.
What is videolaparoscopy for
Videolaparoscopy can be used both as a diagnostic method and as a treatment option. When used for diagnostic purposes, videolaparoscopy (VL), also called diagnostic VL, can be useful in the investigation and confirmation of:
- Vesicle and appendix problems; Endometriosis; Peritoneal disease; Abdominal tumor; Gynecological diseases; Adhesive syndrome; Chronic abdominal pain without apparent cause; Ectopic pregnancy.
When indicated for therapeutic purposes, it is called surgical VL, and can be indicated for:
- Vesicle and appendix removal; Hernia correction; Treatment of hydrosalpinitis; Removal of ovarian lesions; Removal of adhesions; Tubal ligation; Total hysterectomy; Removal of myoma; Treatment of genital dystopias; Gynecological surgery.
In addition, videolaparoscopy can be indicated to perform an ovarian biopsy, which is an exam in which the integrity of the tissue of the uterus is evaluated microscopically. Understand what it is and how the biopsy is done.
How videolaparoscopy is performed
Videolaparoscopy is a simple exam, but it must be done under general anesthesia and consists of making a small cut in the region close to the navel through which a small tube containing a microcamera must enter.
In addition to this cut, other small cuts are usually made in the abdominal region through which other instruments pass to explore the pelvic, abdominal region or to perform the surgery. The microcamera is used to monitor and evaluate the entire interior of the abdominal region, making it possible to identify the alteration and promote its removal.
The preparation to perform the exam consists of performing previous exams, such as preoperative and surgical risk assessment, and when this exam explores the abdominal cavity it is necessary to completely empty the intestine using laxatives under medical advice on the day before the exam.
When it shouldn't be done
Videolaparoscopy should not be performed in case of advanced pregnancy, in people with morbid obesity or when the person is severely impaired.
In addition, it is not indicated in case of tuberculosis in the peritoneum, cancer in the abdominal region, bulky abdominal mass, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, abdominal hernia or when it is not possible to apply general anesthesia.
How is Recovery
Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is much better than conventional surgery, as there are fewer cuts and bleeding during surgery is minimal. The recovery time from laparoscopic surgery lasts 7 to 14 days, depending on the procedure. After this period, the person can gradually return to daily activities according to the medical recommendation.
Right after videolaparoscopy, it is normal to feel pain in the abdomen, pain in the shoulders, to have a trapped intestine, to feel bloated, sick and feel like vomiting. Therefore, during the recovery period, one should rest as much as possible and avoid having sex, driving, cleaning the house, shopping and exercising in the first 15 days.
Possible complications
Although this exam is the best to complete the diagnosis of some diseases and have a better recovery, when used as a form of treatment, as well as other surgical procedures, videolaparoscopy presents some health risks, such as hemorrhage in important organs such as liver or spleen, perforation of the intestine, bladder or uterus, hernia at the entrance of the instruments, infection of the site and worsening of endometriosis, for example.
In addition, pneumothorax, embolism or emphysema may occur on the chest. For this reason, videolaparoscopy is not normally requested as the first option for diagnosing diseases, being more used as a form of treatment.
