Laparoskoopia

Laparoscopy, also called laparoscopy or laparoskoopia in some languages, is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a laparoscope—a slender, camera-equipped instrument—is inserted through small abdominal incisions to visualize the peritoneal cavity and perform operative work with specialized tools. The abdomen is insufflated with carbon dioxide to create a working space, and procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia with the surgeon viewing a video monitor. Additional ports may be used for instruments, or a single-incision approach may be employed.

The development of laparoscopy began with early diagnostic explorations in the early 20th century by Georg Kelling and Hans Christian Jacobaeus. Modern laparoscopic surgery gained widespread popularity in the late 1980s, notably after Philippe Mouret performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1987. Since then, the technique has expanded across many specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, urology, and pediatric surgery.

Indications include diagnostic evaluation of abdominal or pelvic disease and a range of therapeutic procedures. Common examples are gallbladder removal, appendectomy, hernia repair, partial colectomy, tubal sterilization, oophorectomy, and treatment of endometriosis. Laparoscopy is also used for infertility assessment, biopsy, and staging of certain cancers where feasible.

Procedural elements involve creating a pneumoperitoneum with CO2, placing trocars or ports, and rendering a video view of the abdominal cavity. Instruments are guided through the ports to perform dissection, division of tissues, and suturing. Surgeons may convert to an open procedure if visualization or safety is compromised.

Advantages include smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. Potential risks are injury to organs or vessels, bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, and port-site hernias; some cases require conversion to open surgery.