Laparoscopy is a method of performing a surgery in which small cuts or incisions are made as against open surgery where large incisions are made. Laparoscopy makes use of a small camera and specialized instruments that are inserted into the abdominal cavity to repair diseases tissue or completely remove the damaged organ.

Laparoscopy has evolved from being a surgical procedure used for animals and later being a primarily diagnostic procedure for humans to its present avatar where it has actually replaced open surgery in many leading hospitals of the world for several considerations such as tubal sterilization and gallbladder removal. In fact, laparoscopy has advanced to an extent that several minor operations are conducted as outpatient procedures in which the patient can go home after a few hours.

Since laparoscopy is less invasive than open surgical procedures it allows the patients to recover quickly, there is less bleeding at the site of the incision, less post-operative pain, and because the operations are fast and efficient they can also be performed as outpatient procedures. Smaller scars at the site of the incision mean less or no cosmetic work is required afterwards. Risks associated with laparoscopy include perforation as depth perception is not very good. This is because the field of vision is 2-D and not 3-D as with open surgery.

Laparoscopy has been used successfully treat problems with the female reproductive system. These problems include endometriosis and vaginal prolapse. In fact, laparoscopy is also used to perform certain types of hysterectomies. Laparoscopy is used to treat conditions such as blockage of the urethra as well as certain malignant conditions of the urinary system. Laparoscopic procedures can also be used for the purpose of organ removal such as gallbladder, spleen, and appendix.

A laparoscope is a long slender instrument that is inserted into the abdominal or pelvic cavity. It carries a light source at its front end. The patient is treated under the influence of general anesthesia. Further thin incisions are made to allow for the entry of other instruments for operating upon the diseased tissue. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the abdominal cavity so that the internal organs can be viewed easily. The surgeon may choose to insert an indwelling catheter into the bladder to prevent the occurrence of bladder perforation.

Before submitting to laparoscopic surgery you are required to sign a consent form. It is in your interests that you learn about the risks and benefits of laparoscopy from your doctor and also find out about your own mental and physical preparedness to face the procedure. If you are obese or are carrying scar tissue from a previous surgery then laparoscopic surgery may be harder to perform. You also need to be ready to comply with the post-operative regimen that you will be expected to follow. Avoid carbonated drinks for two-three days to prevent irritation in the stomach. If, after the surgery you confront symptoms such as belly pain, fever, bleeding around the stitches, then consult your doctor immediately.