How is Laparoscopy Done | Trusted Hospitals in Haldwani

Not too long ago, surgery used to mean something big. Anxious days before the operation. A long hospital stay. Painful stitches. Weeks of bed rest. And a visible scar that stayed as a reminder. But then came a major shift in how surgeries were performed. Instead of large cuts and visible marks, doctors started going in through tiny holes in the body. No big incisions. No long downtime. That’s when laparoscopy changed everything.

If you’re preparing for a procedure and wondering how is laparoscopy done, or even just heard the term from a friend or doctor, this guide is for you. Sai Hospital is here to walk you through what happens during laparoscopy, what it feels like, and why it’s become the preferred choice for so many surgical treatments.

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Instead of cutting open the body to reach the internal organs, the surgeon makes a few small cuts, usually not more than a centimeter wide. Through one of these, a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted, which sends live video to a screen. Through the others, surgical tools are used to perform the procedure. The whole operation is done while watching everything in real time on a monitor. This method is often called keyhole surgery, and it’s used for diagnosing and treating conditions related to the abdomen or pelvic area.

Now, to the question – how is laparoscopy done, step by step?

How is Laparoscopy Done? Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Preparation Before Surgery

Once the doctor recommends laparoscopy, a few pre-surgery tests are done — blood tests, urine tests, sometimes an ultrasound or ECG if needed. These help make sure the patient is fit for anesthesia and surgery. You’ll be told to fast for 6–8 hours before the surgery. Most procedures are done under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the operation.

2. Entering the Operating Room

You’re taken to the operating room, where the anesthesiologist administers anesthesia. Once you’re asleep, the actual procedure begins.

3. Creating Space Inside the Abdomen

A small incision is made near the belly button. Through this, a needle or tube pumps in carbon dioxide gas — this inflates the abdomen slightly, creating space between the internal organs and abdominal wall. This step is crucial; it allows the doctor to see things clearly and move instruments around without damaging organs.

4. Inserting the Laparoscope

Once there’s enough space, the laparoscope – a long, thin tube with a high-resolution camera at the end is inserted. The camera sends live video to a screen right in front of the surgical team. Now, the surgeon can see everything inside – the uterus, liver, gallbladder, appendix, intestines, or any organ being targeted.

5. Adding Surgical Instruments

One or two more tiny cuts are made, usually in the lower abdomen or near the sides. Through these, narrow surgical tools are inserted. These instruments are specially designed to be used through small holes — scissors, graspers, or tools that cut, burn, or stitch tissues. Whatever procedure needs to be done, removing an appendix, checking for endometriosis, treating ovarian cysts, or gallbladder removal, is carried out using these tools, while the doctor watches everything on the monitor.

6. Finishing Up

Once the treatment is complete, the instruments are removed. The gas is gently released from the abdomen. The small incisions are closed using stitches or surgical glue – no large scars, no need for big dressings. The entire process can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity. 

And that, in simple terms, answers the question – how is laparoscopy done?

What is Laparoscopy Used For?

Laparoscopy isn’t a single procedure – it’s a method. Doctors use it for a wide range of conditions, both for diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common uses –

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

When scans are inconclusive, doctors use laparoscopy to directly view the inside of the abdomen and confirm conditions like internal bleeding, tumors, or unexplained pain.

Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

This is one of the most frequent laparoscopic surgeries. Gallstones, gallbladder infections, or inflammation are easily treated using this method.

Appendectomy

Removing an inflamed appendix is often done laparoscopically, especially if diagnosed early.

Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic hernia surgeries are less painful and allow quicker return to activity compared to open methods.

Gynaecological Procedures

Treating ovarian cysts, fibroids, ectopic pregnancies, or even infertility evaluations can be done laparoscopically.

Is Laparoscopy Safe?

Yes – laparoscopy is considered very safe in the hands of a trained surgeon.

Because the cuts are small, the risk of infection, blood loss, or major complications is much lower than traditional surgery. That said, every procedure has some risk, like any medical treatment. Minor side effects can include – 

• Mild bloating or gas pain (from the CO₂ used during surgery)
• Temporary sore throat (if a breathing tube was used under anesthesia)
• Discomfort at the incision sites

Most patients are back home within 24 hours. And many can return to light activity in a few days.

How is Laparoscopy Done in Trusted Hospitals?

• Proper Pre-Op Workups – Good hospitals run complete pre-anesthesia checks, blood panels, and necessary scans to ensure you’re safe for surgery.
• Expert Surgeons and Anesthesia Teams – The laparoscopic technique requires experience. Skilled doctors perform more precise and quicker procedures, reducing your time in surgery and recovery risks.
• Infection Control – Sterile operating rooms, single-use tools, and post-op wound care all contribute to a low-risk environment.
• Post-Procedure Monitoring – After surgery, patients are monitored for a few hours for vitals, pain levels, and nausea. Trusted hospitals have trained nurses and doctors checking you before discharge.
• Patient Guidance – Instructions for wound care, diet, movement, and follow-ups are given. Good hospitals ensure you leave with all the information you need.

When is Laparoscopy Not Recommended?

While laparoscopy works for most people, there are situations where open surgery might still be needed –

• If the patient has had multiple previous surgeries (due to scar tissue)
• Very large tumors or extensive disease spread
• Emergencies with massive bleeding or perforation

In such cases, the surgeon may begin with laparoscopy but switch to open surgery if needed. This is called conversion, and it’s done purely in the patient’s best interest.

Conclusion

If you’re scheduled for a laparoscopic procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor –

• Will I need general anesthesia?
• How long will the procedure take?
• What precautions should I take before and after?
• Will I have stitches or glue?
• When can I resume normal activities?

A trustworthy hospital will walk you through all of this with care and clarity. And when done right, laparoscopy is a powerful reminder that surgery doesn’t always have to be a painful, scarring, and long-drawn-out experience.

So the next time someone asks how is laparoscopy done, you will know what to say – it’s done gently, precisely, and through nothing more than a few small holes and a camera. That’s modern surgery for you. Visit Sai Hospital for expert consultation today!