Scottsdale laparoscopic surgery is typically performed to identify the source of abdominal or pelvic pain. It’s usually done when other, noninvasive methods are inconclusive.
In many cases, abdominal problems are diagnosed with imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. But Scottsdale laparoscopic surgery is performed when these tests don’t provide enough information or insight for a correct diagnosis. The procedure may also be used to take a sample of tissue from a particular organ in the abdomen.
Your doctor may recommend laparoscopy to examine the following organs:
- Appendix;
- Gallbladder;
- Liver;
- Pancreas;
- Small and large bowel;
- Spleen;
- Stomach;
- Pelvic or reproductive organs.
By observing these areas with a laparoscope, your doctor can detect:
- An abdominal mass or tumor;
- Fluid in the abdominal cavity;
- Liver disease;
- The effectiveness of certain treatments;
- The degree to which a particular cancer has progressed.
What happens following surgery!
After the Scottsdale laparoscopic surgery has been completed, you’ll be observed for several hours before being released from the hospital. During this time your vital signs, such your breathing and heart rate, will be closely monitored. Hospital staff will also check for any adverse reactions to the anesthesia or the procedure, as well as monitor for prolonged bleeding.
The timing of your release will vary, depending on your overall physical condition, the type of anesthesia used and your body’s reaction to the surgery. In some cases, you may be required to remain in the hospital overnight.
A family member or friend will need to drive you home if you received general anesthesia. The effects of general anesthesia usually take several hours to wear off, so it can be unsafe to drive following the procedure.
In the days following Scottsdale laparoscopic surgery, you may feel moderate pain and throbbing in the areas where incisions were made. Any pain or discomfort will typically improve within a few days. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the pain.
It’s also common to experience shoulder pain after your procedure. The pain is usually a side effect of the carbon dioxide gas, which can irritate your diaphragm that shares nerves with your shoulder. It may also cause some bloating, but the discomfort should subside within a couple of days.
You can usually resume all normal activities within a week, and you’ll need to attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor about two weeks following the procedure.
Results of Scottsdale Laparoscopic Surgery
If a biopsy was performed, a pathologist will examine it and a report detailing the results will be sent to your doctor. Normal results from laparoscopy indicate the absence of abdominal bleeding, hernias and intestinal blockages and that all your organs are healthy.
Abnormal results from laparoscopy indicate certain conditions, including:
- Adhesions or surgical scars;
- Hernias;
- Appendicitis;
- Fibroids, or abnormal growths in the uterus;
- Cysts or tumors;
- Cancer;
- Inflammation of the gall bladder;
- Endometriosis;
- Injury or trauma to a particular organ;
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Your doctor will schedule an appointment with you to go over the results. If a serious medical condition was found, the appropriate treatment will then be prescribed.
If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding recovery from Scottsdale laparoscopic surgery, call our office today to schedule a consultation.
