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Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Sometimes, abdominal symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, even with scans or camera tests of the bowel. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to look inside the abdomen or pelvic areas. It can examine your internal organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, small bowel, colon, ovaries, and uterus, to investigate a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating or bowel disturbance. It can also be used to to assess and divide scar tissue related to previous surgery if Mr Ferguson feels this may be the cause of your symtoms 

 

The procedure uses a small camera, called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the skin, and is performed under a general anaesthetic.

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Mr Ferguson is an expert in minimally invasive surgery to both diagnose and treat a wide variety of abdominal symptoms and conditions.

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What to Expect After the Procedure

  • Results:

After the laparoscopy, Mr Ferguson will discuss the findings with you. Depending on the results, further tests or treatments may be recommended. If tissue samples were taken (a biopsy), you may need to wait several days to receive the results.

If no serious issues are found, Mr Ferguson may recommend other ways to manage your symptoms, including lifestyle changes or additional tests.

 

  • Recovery:
    After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. If you had general anesthesia, you may feel groggy for a few hours. You can typically go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you since you won’t be able to drive immediately after anesthesia.

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  • Post-procedure symptoms:
    It is normal to experience some mild side effects after the procedure, including:

    • Gas or bloating: The abdomen may feel bloated or gassy because the doctor uses carbon dioxide gas to inflate the abdomen during the procedure for better visibility. Sometimes the gas can give you pain in your shoulders.

    • Soreness or pain at the incision sites: This can normally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

    • Fatigue: You may feel tired for a day or two following the procedure.

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  • Diet and Activity:
    You can usually return to a normal diet once you feel ready, but avoid heavy meals or strenuous activity for a few days. You may be advised to rest for the first 24-48 hours.

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Potential Risks and Complications

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a relatively safe procedure, but, like any surgery, it carries some risks. Although rare, potential complications include:

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  • Infection at the incision sites

  • Bleeding or injury to internal organs (rare, but possible)

  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia

  • Blood clots (especially if you are immobile for a long period after the procedure)

 

Mr Ferguson will discuss any potential risks with you before the procedure, and steps will be taken to minimise complications.

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