What it means
In laparoscopylap-uh-ROS-kuh-peeSurgery or an exam done through small cuts in the belly, using a thin, lighted tube with a camera.lapar/o abdomen-scopy looking with an instrumentFull entry , carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdomen through a needle or port to lift the abdominal wall away from the organs, giving the surgeon room to see and work. A machine called an insufflator controls the pressure. Air or gas is also insufflated into the colon during colonoscopy.
For the nurse
After laparoscopy, leftover gas often causes shoulder pain, from irritation of the diaphragm. Walking and positioning help it pass; warm packs may help. It fades within a day or two.
At a glance
| Also written | insufflate, insufflated, insufflator |
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Related terms
laparoscopy
Surgery or an exam done through small cuts in the belly, using a thin, lighted tube with a camera.
Kehr sign
Pain at the tip of the left shoulder that is referred there from the abdomen.