Laparoscope
A laparoscope is a medical instrument inserted into the body to allow for a visual inspection of the organs and tissues within the abdomen and pelvis. It utilizes a small video camera, which is attached to the end of a long probe. In a laparoscopy, a small surgical incision is made in the abdominal wall through which the laparoscope is inserted. Other narrow instruments can be pushed through the same incision or other small incisions, which can permit probing or
surgical procedures. Images from the laparoscope appear on a monitoring for viewing. Laparoscopes are commonly used in gynecology and in surgeries that involves the organs of the abdomen. A laparoscopy may be performed when a tissue sample is needed from an individual with
cancer that appears in the abdomen.
The procedure usually requires general anesthesia, though some laparoscopies are performed while the patient is awake, using conscious sedation and local anesthesia. The operation involves a small cut above or below the navel through which a tube is inserted. A small video camera is then passed through the tube while carbon dioxide gas is injected into the abdomen, which serves to lift the abdominal wall so that the surgeon has more space in which to work. Additional small openings are made for instruments that let the surgeon move organs, make cuts, and stitch or staple areas during the operation. Recovery from soreness or other side-effects of the surgery typically takes one or two days.