DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to examine the abdomen to to help make a diagnosis, take a tissue biopsy, or to make surgical repairs. It is a modern surgical technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope is inserted.

A laparoscope is a flexible tube which is fitted with a light and camera which transmits images of the inside of the abdomen to a computer which the surgeon can view. The laparoscope is guided by the surgeon and tools can be attached to take biopsies or make surgical repairs.

Why do I need a diagnostic laparoscopy?
Whilst scans and bloods tests give a certain amount of information, sometimes only direct examination of the abdominal organs will give the information needed to confirm a diagnosis. For some conditions such as cancer, very careful planning is needed and may begin with laparoscopy to exclude the presence of tiny deposits of additional tumours (metastatic disease), which would change the course of treatment.

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