Surgical Procedures -

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a procedure where a laparoscope, a probe with a telescopic end, is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen, enabling the viewing of the pelvic and abdominal regions. In this procedure, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas is injected into the region to separate the organs and make them easier to view. In most cases, laparoscopy has a faster recovery time and is less time-consuming and expensive than more invasive surgical procedures such as laparotomy.

Laparoscopy made its comeback in medicine in the 1960s. It has become widely popular because of technological advances, mainly fixed-focus optics and fiber-optic delivery of light.

Laparoscopy is the best way to assess the abdominal/pelvic organs, because they can be seen as they really are, compared to a manual pelvic examination or viewing of images by x-ray or ultrasound.

Initially, laparoscopy was used only as a diagnostic procedure enabling the physician to visually inspect the inside of the pelvis (diagnostic laparoscopy). That was once possible only through opening of the abdomen, a major surgery. Over a period of time, with improved skills of laparoscopists and better instrumentation, operative interventions became possible (operative laparoscopy). Most types of pelvic surgery have been attempted by laparoscopy.

Dr. Marik learned laparoscopy in Europe and from the "father of U.S. laparoscopy," Dr. M. Cohen in Chicago. When he relocated to the West Coast, he brought this heretofore unknown procedure with him. Not surprisingly, when gynecologists learned about its usefulness, laparoscopy became very popular. The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists was formed, with Dr. Marik being one of its founding members. In a few short years the AAGL became the second largest gynecological society with membership approaching that of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Laparoscopy became a part of every Obstetrics and Gynecology training program.

Not all conditions are better served by laparoscopy, however. "Sometimes the results are more important than the way they are achieved. Two or three additional days in the hospital may make a significant difference in the outcome, especially in infertile patients", Dr. Marik states. After doing laparoscopy for more than thirty years, there are still situations where he approaches the problem in the classical way with microsurgery.

Operative Laparoscopy
Second Look Laparoscopy

Surgical Procedures