About Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy

What is laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy? A laparoscopic operation is a surgical procedure performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, using specialized instruments. The term laparoscopy comes from a combination of two Greek words. The first is 'lapara', which means the fleshy middle part of the body, or the abdominal wall. The second Greek word that makes laparoscopic is 'scopin', which means to examine, look or see, which has become 'scope' in the English language. This is called minimally invasive surgery, even 'keyhole' surgery, due to the small incisions conducted through the surgeon.

A laparoscope is a thin, fiber optic tube, complete with a light and small camera. The Laparoscopic Surgeon is able to see the internal parts of the abdominal and pelvic cavity using this device, and while it can be used to help diagnose, it is also often used to perform surgical procedures. Instead of making a large cut to open the body, very small incisions are made and a laparoscope is inserted.

The scope takes photographs and sends them to a monitor for the surgeon to see, and if necessary, they can perform surgery. Upon having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, the woman is given general anesthesia, which means that she is not awake for the procedure. A small slit is inserted over the navel, or just below it, and the scope. Absorbable gas, usually carbon dioxide, is pumped into the abdominal cavity so that it becomes discolored, making the organs visible. After this, a trocar or port is inserted. A trocar is a uniquely constructed tube with a valve that is inserted through the equipment used for operation.

More incisions are then made in the lower right and lower left parts of the abdomen, and possibly on the pubic hairline, so that more ports can be established, allowing greater access for the surgeon. By having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, the risk to the patient is significantly reduced. Open surgery not only requires very large openings, there is also a very high risk of infection. The period of convulsions can be up to six weeks with open surgery until you are able to return to your normal activities. By opting for laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, a woman can sometimes reproduce within days.