Diagnostic laparoscopy is performed when the patient comes with complaints of unexplained abdominal pain, either chronic or acute, if the patient has a lump or tumor which can be felt by touch or has been diagnosed in a Xray previously, there is a case of ascites where fluid has accumulated inside the abdominal cavity, there are chances of a pre-existing liver disease, or in cases where cancer stages have to be determined for further treatment. Diagnostic laparoscopy is also done in several other cases wherein previous tests of X Ray, MRI or even CT Scan have failed to conclude a concrete disease or condition.
The procedure is usually done in the usual manner under anesthesia by first making a small incision above or in the belly button, inserting a tube through the incision, passing carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen for clear view of the internal organs and examining the organs through the camera attached to the tube. It is also a preferred technique for gynecological examination to study the condition of the ovaries, uterus and cervix. Diagnostic laparoscopy also is useful in determining the stages of Gastrointestinal cancers and it is more often recommended that a routine laparoscopy be performed before going for laparotomy to avoid unnecessary treatment and further complications.
