Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to evaluate intra-abdominal or pelvic pathology (eg, tumor, endometriosis) in patients with acute or chronic abdominal pain and operability in patients with cancer. It also is used for lymphoma staging and liver biopsy.
Absolute contraindications to laparoscopy include
A coagulation or bleeding disorder
Poor patient cooperation
Infection of the abdominal wall
Relative contraindications include severe cardiac or pulmonary disease, large abdominal hernias, multiple abdominal operations, and tense ascites.
Complete blood count, coagulation studies, and type and Rh testing are done before laparoscopy. X-rays of the chest and abdomen (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) are also taken.
Laparoscopy is done with sterile technique in an operating room or a well-equipped endoscopy suite. The patient is given local anesthesia plus IV sedation and analgesia with an opioid and short-acting sedative (eg, midazolam, propofol).
The procedure involves insertion of a pneumoperitoneum needle into the peritoneal cavity and infusion of carbon dioxide to distend the abdomen. After the opening is enlarged, a peritoneoscope is inserted into the abdomen and the abdominal contents are examined. Surgical instruments for biopsy and other procedures are inserted through separate openings. When the procedure is completed, the carbon dioxide is expelled and the cannula is removed.
Complications of laparoscopy can include bleeding, bacterial peritonitis, and perforation of a viscus.
