What is 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 word laparoscopy comes from combining two Greek words. The first is 'lapara', which means the fleshy mid section of the body, or the abdominal wall. The second Greek word that makes up laparoscopic is 'skopein', meaning to examine, see or view, which in the English language has become 'scope'. It is also called minimally invasive surgery, even 'keyhole' surgery, because of the tiny incisions that the surgeons must operate through.

A laparoscope is a thin, fiber optic tube, complete with a light and tiny camera. The surgeon is able to view the interior of the abdomen and the pelvic cavity using this device, and while it can be used to help diagnose, it is also used quite often 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 pictures and sends them to a monitor for the surgeon to view, and if necessary, they can perform surgery.

When having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, the woman is given general anesthesia, which means that she is not awake for the procedure. A tiny slit is made at the navel, or just below it and the scope is inserted. Absorbable gas, usually carbon dioxide, is pumped into the abdominal cavity so that it becomes distended, making the organs visible. Next, a trocar or port is put in. A trocar is a uniquely constructed tube with a valve that instruments used for the operation are inserted through. More incisions are then made in both the lower right and the lower left of the abdomen and possibly at the pubic hairline, so that more ports can be installed, allowing more accessibility for the surgeon.

By having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, the risks decrease considerably. Open surgery not only requires a much larger opening, there is also a much higher risk of infection. The convalescence with open surgery may be as long as six weeks, until you are able to return to your normal activities. By opting for laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, a woman can sometimes recuperate within days.