Chicago, IL area patients ask, “What is laparoscopic abdominal surgery?”
Chicago, IL area women who are told by their doctor that they could benefit from laparoscopic abdominal surgery are often suffering from problems such as:
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
- Abnormal bleeding
Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is a procedure that can help women with these issues achieve a better quality of life.
What is laparoscopic abdominal surgery?
The team of doctors at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. is here to help patients learn more about their treatment options, and once they have decided on a procedure, what to expect. When women are told they can benefit from a laparoscopic abdominal surgery, they may have a lot of questions about what the procedure entails and what the recovery will be like following the procedure.
Laparoscopic surgery is used to examine and treat the organs in the abdominal area, including the pelvic and reproductive organs. This minimally invasive procedure is a low-risk way of addressing common problems with the use of very small incisions in the abdominal area. A laparoscope, which is a small camera similar to a hysteroscope, is inserted into an incision made in the abdomen. Through the abdominal wall, the doctor is then able to use the light and camera to send images to a video monitor, allowing for diagnostics or treatment of growths that may be developing in the pelvis. It can also be used to take a biopsy that can be sent to pathology for further evaluation.
Laparoscopic abdominal diagnostics are often done when imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds have been unable to determine the source of the patient’s concerns, such as abnormal bleeding or unusual pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. If something is found during one of these imaging techniques, laparoscopic treatment may be done in order to remove the abnormal masses.
Preparation for laparoscopic abdominal surgery
When patients are told they can benefit from a procedure with a laparoscope, they may need to take certain precautions prior to their procedure. For example, patients should discuss their full medical history with the doctor and consult with him/her regarding any prescription and non-prescription medications that are currently being taken. Some medications may need to be stopped prior to the procedure in order to reduce the risk of problems. This may include medications such as anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and certain dietary or herbal supplements. Patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should disclose this to their doctor, as it may be a concern. Sexually active women may need to give a urine sample prior to their procedure so the doctor can be sure they are not pregnant.
Patients who are undergoing a laparoscopy will also need to arrange appropriate transportation to and from the hospital. This can be done with the help of a friend or family member. Since laparoscopy is performed with general anesthetics, patients will be unable to drive or operate any large machinery for the remainder of the day following their procedure. Patients should also ask their doctor about avoiding food and beverages for approximately eight hours prior to the operation.
Recovery following laparoscopic abdominal surgery
After the procedure, patients are advised to closely follow their post-operative instructions provided by the team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. to reduce the risk of infection and to recover faster. Patients usually go home 2-3 hours after surgery. More extensive surgeries may require a hospital stay.
Following the operation, patients may experience moderate pain and discomfort. This is often managed with the use of over-the-counter pain medications. This discomfort typically lasts a few days and is well-tolerated by most patients.
Discuss laparoscopic abdominal surgery today with your doctor
If you live in or near Chicago, or in Northwest Indiana and are interested in discussing the benefits of laparoscopic abdominal surgery with any member of our team, we welcome you to book a consultation visit at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. by calling 312-440-9400. Our practice is located in Suite 1200 of 680 North Lake Shore Drive and is always accepting new patients.
Our team of experienced physicians includes Dr. Stanley Friedell, Dr. Abbie Roth, Dr. Regina Belmonte, Dr. Sharon Wise, Dr. Lisa Brunengraber, Dr. Julianne Morton, and Dr. Whitney Dunn.