Gastrointestinal laparoscopy

Need to know

• What happens during a gastrointestinal laparoscopy? icon plus

  This minimally invasive form of keyhole surgery involves passing a tiny camera through very small incisions in your abdomen. This procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant will make several small cuts into your abdomen and insert surgical instruments, along with a laparoscope — a small tube with a light source and a camera on the end. The images from the laparoscope are shown on a screen that your consultant looks at while they carry out your procedure. Once they've finished, your consultant will close the area with stitches.

• How to prepare icon plus

  If you're having general anaesthetic, your consult will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for. You might be able to go home the same day as your surgery. If you do, you should arrange for someone to drive you home. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• After your laparoscopy icon plus

  You might feel a bit groggy after your anaesthetic. You might also feel some discomfort in your abdomen. This should pass fairly quickly. If you feel any pain or ongoing discomfort you should tell your consultant.
  
  You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. And because of the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, you should have no or very little visible scarring once you're healed. Your consultant will let you know the results of your laparoscopy within 48 hours.