Laparoscopy
Micro laparoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic surgical procedure. Laparoscopy enables the surgeon or a gynecologist to directly view the organs of the abdomen and pelvis. Laparoscopy minimizes hospital stay after surgery and recovery period too. Laparoscope is an instrument in the shape of a miniature telescope with a fiber optic system. The laparoscope is a sterile surgical instrument, which has special optics that allows small amounts of light to be transmitted effectively. A laparoscopy involves two cuts approximately 5 -10 cm long. The first cut is below the navel. A hollow needle is inserted. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen through this channel in the laparoscope. This is done to create a space within which the surgeon can look or operate.
The laparoscope is inserted through a second small cut made on the abdomen. The exact position depends upon the procedure that is being conducted. The laparoscope can be moved around within the abdominal or pelvic cavity to give several different views to the operating surgeon. At the end of the procedure, the instruments are removed and the carbon dioxide gas is allowed to escape and the cuts closed with stitches.
Appendicitis
An inflamed appendix leads to a condition of appendicitis. In this condition, the opening of the appendix into the cecum is blocked. Mucus or stool can be the causes for the blockage. A blood clot or carcinoid tumor may also be a cause for the blockage of the appendiceal orifice. In some cases, appendicitis follows a gastrointestinal viral infection. The inflammation causes reduced blood supply to the appendix thereby diminishing its ability to fight infection. Inflammation and infection can lead to a rupture of the appendix thereby spreading the infection to the entire abdominal area. Perforation of the appendix usually warrants immediate surgery. If the infection is allowed to enter other parts of the body, it can be life-threatening. Another fallout of appendicitis is that the contents of the intestine are blocked from passing. This leads to abdominal distension with nausea and vomitting. In few cases, the body is able to resolve the inflammation and infection with antibiotics and care. This usually happens when the appendicitis is noticed and diagnosed at a very early stage.
Symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal pain that is diffused and not localized. The patient might have elevated body temperature with tenderness in the lower right abdomen, if palpated. When the appendiceal inflammation increases, the pain is clearly localized to a single area - between the front of the right hip bone and the belly button. Early symptoms of appendicitis are often easily mistaken for gastroenteritis. Children may have fewer symptoms thereby making diagnosis more difficult. Appendicitis is first diagnosed with a thorough physical examination. Abdominal scans are useful in detecting the cause of blockage. A blood test of a person suffering from appendicitis will reveal abnormal white blood count. But it cannot be taken as the only sign of appendicitis. A CT Scan can help reveal the area of the appendix that is affected.
Appendectomy
With traditional appendectomy, the surgeon enters the abdomen through a 3 inch long incision. The appendix is removed by freeing it from the attachment to the abdomen and colon. Pus will need to be drained in case of an abscess. Laparoscopy is now regularly used to remove an inflamed appendix. A small fiber optic tube with camera is inserted through one or two small punctures made on the abdominal wall. Tiny instruments are passed through the other abdominal incisions to remove the appendix. Laparoscopy allows a surgeon to view the appendix and other abdominal organs. A decision can then be made whether the appendix needs to be removed at all. A clear diagnosis is possible with laparoscopy on doubtful cases of appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendix removal allows faster recovery and lesser scarring.
Inguinal Hernia
A hernia is used to describe a condition where A loop of the intestine enters the inguinal canal in the groin region. This creates a bulge through a weakened spot or tear in the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia is a situation where the hernia occurs near the groin on account of any inherent weakness of the inguinal canal. Obesity, lifting of heavy objects and multiple pregnancies can lead to an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia is a common type of hernia that affects thousands each year. It is noticed that men tend to suffer inguinal hernia condition more often than women. This is because of the weakness of the inguinal canal in men that occurs due to descent of the testicales into the scrotum.
In many cases, there are no symptoms of inguinal hernia. But some patients notice a lump in the groin region near the thigh. In rare cases, an inguinal hernia can lead to blockage of the intestine. There might be discomfort in the groin area when bending or lifting. This might be accompanied by swelling or pain in the scrotum. Certain conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic constipation can lead to an inguinal hernia. Those with a family history of hernias are more susceptible to developing an inguinal hernia. Smoking, obesity and pregnancy can increase your risk of developing a hernia.
Surgical treatment of inguinal hernia involves removal of the protruding part of the intestine and repair of the abdominal wall. In some cases, all potential hernial openings are secued with patches. This surgery is performed either by laparoscopy or conventional abdominal incision. Large hernias cannot be treated with laparoscopy.
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