- Introduction to Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders
- Medical History and Physical Examination for Digestive Disorders
- Acid-Related and Reflux-Related Tests
- Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Digestive Tract
- Endoscopy
- Impedance Testing
- Intubation of the Digestive Tract
- Laparoscopy
- Manometry
- Nuclear Scans of the Digestive Tract
- Paracentesis
- Stool Occult Blood Tests
- Ultrasound Scanning of the Abdomen
- Video Capsule Endoscopy
- X-Ray Studies of the Digestive Tract
Laparoscopy is an examination of the abdominal cavity using a fiberoptic instrument inserted through the abdominal wall. This is a surgical procedure done in an operating room.
People are given medications by vein (intravenously) to make them unconscious (general anesthesia) before the procedure.
After the appropriate area of the skin is washed with an antiseptic, a small incision is made, usually in the navel. Then a laparoscope is passed into the abdominal cavity, which is then inflated with gas to make it easier to see. A doctor can look for tumors or other abnormalities, examine nearly any organ in the abdominal cavity, take tissue samples, and even do surgery. This procedure can be used for staging lymphomas and other cancers.
Complications of laparoscopy include bleeding, infection, and perforation.
