Word parts
What it means
In laparoscopic surgery (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 ), the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas to make room, and a camera (laparoscope) and instruments go in through small ports. Compared with open surgery (laparotomylap-uh-ROT-uh-meeSurgery that opens the abdomen through a large cut to reach the organs inside.lapar/o abdomen-tomy cutting intoFull entry ), it usually means less pain, smaller scars, a shorter stay and faster recovery. Gallbladder removal and appendectomy are common examples.
For the nurse
Shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery is common: leftover gas irritates the diaphragm and the pain is felt in the shoulder. Walking helps the body absorb the gas.
Related terms
laparoscopy
Surgery or an exam done through small cuts in the belly, using a thin, lighted tube with a camera.
endoscope
A thin tube with a light and a camera that is passed into the body to look inside an organ or cavity.
referred pain
Pain felt in a part of the body away from where the problem actually is.
laparotomy
Surgery that opens the abdomen through a large cut to reach the organs inside.