Laparoscopy is a more invasive but definitive way to identify cancer and find smaller tumors than CT scans or ultrasounds. It can direct surgeons to remove more or all of the cancerous tissue and evaluate the degree of progression or metastasis of the cancer. It is preferable to larger exploratory surgery and can be replaced by microlaparoscopy, which means less recovery time for the patient.
Laparoscopy uses a small tube inserted into the abdomen, called a laparoscope, which can view the abdominal cavity or pelvis even more accurately than a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound. The procedure is more invasive than CT scans or ultrasounds, but it’s also more definitive and can find smaller tumors, which can change the course of proposed cancer treatment. Laparoscopy tends to be done after CT scans or ultrasounds indicate cancer in the abdominal or pelvic regions. It can direct surgeons to remove more, if not all, of the cancerous tissue.
Laparoscopy after a suspected cancer diagnosis is fairly routine. It is more invasive than other means of identifying cancer. You usually make a small incision in your abdomen, are given anesthesia, and feel tired and uncomfortable for a few days after the laparoscopy. However, the procedure itself is considered outpatient, with most people leaving the hospital or surgical center within hours of recovering from anesthesia.
However, you are not ready to drive after the procedure. Those undergoing laparoscopy should have someone with them who can drive them home. It is also wise to have someone who can help at least for the day of the procedure after one arrives home.
The reason laparoscopy is routine is that surgical removal of cancerous cells should aim for the total removal of all malignant cells. If a surgeon misses a tumor not shown on a CT scan, recovery from the cancer can be delayed or more problematic.
Also, a collection of cancerous cells that isn’t removed can mean more surgery. Such surgeries may need to take place when you are already in a weakened state from cancer treatments. Therefore, it is worth having a laparoscopy to remove most of the cancer cells in a first surgery.
Evaluation of cancer cells through laparoscopy can also help determine the degree of progression or metastasis of the cancer. This can help your doctor offer the best possible treatment given the nature of the cancer. Additionally, clinicians may be able to provide more clearly defined answers about a patient’s prognosis.
Laparoscopy is also preferable to larger exploratory surgery of the abdomen, as it uses a small incision. Exploratory surgery will almost always mean you have to stay in the hospital for at least a few days. In some cases, doctors may also employ microlaparoscopy, which uses an even smaller access but reveals similar images of organs in the abdominal cavity. Microlaparoscopy can ultimately replace regular laparoscopy, as it means even less recovery time for the patient.
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