Laparoscopy, Page 2

Typical Procedure Protocol

will require pre-admit paperwork be completed in hospital, as laps are performed in hospital operating rooms
in some cases, administration of oral antibiotics a few days prior, as a prophylactic (prevention) measure
patient may be given mild sedative immediately prior to preparation for surgery
IV is inserted into patient (usually hand or wrist area) through which fluids and anesthesia are administered

very small incision is made in the naval region
laparascope is inserted into incision
small amounts of gas are used to inflate the abdominal cavity, allowing for better visualization
videotaping of resulting images may be done, and are often available to patients later
laparascope is moved about the patient's interior as needed to view the general condition of the organs' outer regions and the abdominal wall
if specific surgery has been agreed upon prior to patient's anesthesia, such surgery may take place through the use of very small instruments inserted through additional small incisions

recovery from anesthesia takes one to three hours, or in some unusual cases, overnight hospitalization
sleepiness or grogginess for a full 24 hours upon discharge from hospital is normal
resume normal activity general within 48 hours after discharge from hospital