Diagnotic laparoscopy

Question 1

How would diagnostic laparoscopy be defined?

Answer 1

Diagnostic procedure +/- minor treatment of problems. This includes documentation of findings, including photographs or video

Question 2

What are the risks for diagnostic laparoscopy?

Answer 2

Big four
Damage to surrounding structures (bowel, bladder, vessels, ureters)
Failed entry
Entry site hernia
Scarring
Conversion to laparotomy
Risks specific to laparoscopic operation
Blood transfusion
Death

Question 3

What is involved in diagnostic laparoscopy?

Answer 3

Inflation of peritoneal cavity with CO2 (via Veress needle through abdo wall; reduces chance of organ damage with sharper trocar)
Laparoscope passed through trocar enables visualisation of pelvis

Question 4

What are the indications for diagnostic laparoscopy?

Answer 4

Assessment of macroscopic pelvic disease in management of pelvic pain and dysmenorrhoea, infertility, suspected ectopic and pelvic masses

Question 5

What is a ‘lap and dye’?

Answer 5

Dye passed through the cervix to asses tubal patency