Gynecologic Laparoscopy
Common gynecologic surgeries where laparoscopy is used are:
Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Small instruments inserted through a series of incision points detach the ligaments that support the uterus, and then the uterus is removed through the vagina.
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involves the removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes.
Diagnostic laparoscopy
This procedure allows the surgeon to examine the internal organs to try to locate the source of pelvic pain. This is a big use of laparoscopy at Woman’s. Someone comes in with pelvic pain and laparoscopy allows you to look inside to try to find the origin of that pain without open surgery.
Laparoscopically-assisted surgery for endometriosis
A surgeon can use several lap-assisted techniques to remove endometrial tissue found growing outside the uterus, including cutting and removing the tissue or destroying it with a laser or electrocautery equipment.
Ectopic/tubal pregnancy
Surgery for a pregnancy that is in the fallopian tube (an ectopic pregnancy) can be done laparoscopically, but the urgency of the situation normally means the doctor decides the best approach to take.
Fibroidectomy or myomectomy
Removal of uterine fibroids.
Cholecystectomy, or gall bladder removal
After a series of small incisions, the gall bladder is detached and removed via the endoscope. Nearly all patients now choose laparoscopy over open surgery for this procedure.
Colon resection
A segment of the colon is removed and the remaining section reattached.
Lysis of adhesions
Scar-like adhesions can be caused by previous surgery or pelvic infections and frequently cause significant pain. They can be removed laparoscopically, and are less likely to form in the first place after a lap-assisted surgery.
Multiple procedures at once
A cholecystectomy is sometimes done in tandem with a hysterectomy. Other procedures, such as a colon resection or a laparoscopic appendectomy, can also be combined with a lap-assisted hysterectomy.
Hernia repair
While both traditional and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries are done on an outpatient basis, patients treated laparoscopically often heal faster and experience less discomfort after the procedure.
Nissen fundoplication
Once done mostly through traditional open surgery, this procedure to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is now mostly done laparoscopically. The surgery involves wrapping a portion of the stomach called the fundus around the base of the esophagus as a way to prevent reflux of stomach acid into the chest and the throat.
Laparoscopy and urology
As with other types of surgeries, laparoscopy speeds recovery times and minimizes discomfort from urologic procedures. Laparoscopic surgeries in the field of urology that have been performed are nephrectomy and pyeloplasty.
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy: the surgeon removes a non-functioning kidney using an endoscope that enters the abdominal cavity near the belly button.
- Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: the surgeon repairs the ureter, the tube that runs from the kidney into the bladder.