The Role of Laparoscopy

Abstract

Laparoscopic options were mentioned ‘en passe’ in the preceding chapters but a promise was made to further elaborate on the role of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies. To do so we had to summon help from a surgeon who is more enthusiastic than us. Here it goes:

Diagnostic laparoscopy was used for many decades by gynecologists to investigate acute pelvic disorders. With the recent boom in basic and advanced laparoscopic techniques no wonder that enthusiasts started to explore the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of almost any abdominal emergency. The rational is simple: laparoscopy may offer an organ-specific diagnosis and at the same time provide treatmentavoiding a laparotomy. This could minimize morbidity and patient’s discomfort, shortens hospital stay, accelerate recovery, and improve patients’ satisfaction.

The world might look brighter through the (laparoscopic) camera — but not everything bright is gold