Gastroenterology - Staging Laparoscopy

This leaflet has 4 aims:

• To help you and your family become better informed and more involved in your care
• To explain the operation/investigation you will be having
• To describe what will happen after the operation/investigation
• To help overcome any worries you may have about the operation/investigation

What is a staging laparoscopy?

It is a minor operation carried out under general anaesthetic, that enables the doctor to directly inspect the organs inside the abdomen without needing to make a large incision. An operating telescope, (called a laparoscope) is used and is passed into the abdomen through a small cut (about 1cm long) in the skin, usually below your navel.

Why do I need this investigation?

You have had investigations, which have given us pictures of the growth in your oesophagus/stomach and of the other organs in your chest and abdomen. These investigations do not always provide all of the detailed information that we need to plan your treatment. A laparoscopy enables the surgeon to look directly inside the abdominal cavity to inspect the organs in fine detail and provide us with information that other tests cannot. Tissue and fluid samples can also be taken for further analysis.

Are there any alternatives to this investigation?

There are no simple alternative investigations that would give the same information as a laparoscopy.

How do I prepare for a staging laparoscopy?

• You will be seen in the pre-operative clinic before the procedure where you will see the surgeon, anaesthetist and nurse who will organise any necessary blood tests and investigations
• If you smoke, you should stop. If you need help we can refer you for advice about stopping smoking
• You will be admitted as an inpatient on the day of your laparoscopy
• You will need to be nil-by-mouth 4-6 hours before the procedure
• The staff on the ward will provide you with a gown to wear and will prepare you for theatre

How is a staging laparoscopy performed?

• You will have a general anaesthetic for the procedure
• Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen through a 1cm incision to temporarily expand the space inside, allowing the surgeon a clear view of the internal organs
• 2 or 3 other 0.5cm cuts are made on the abdominal wall through which the laparoscope and surgical instruments are passed inside the abdomen
• The laparoscope is attached to a light source and a video camera which enables the surgeon to see and examine the internal organs on a television screen
• At the end of the procedure, the laparoscope and instruments are removed from the abdomen, the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape, and the cuts in the abdomen are sewn up

What are the risks of having a laparoscopy?

Although the investigation is considered safe, complications can sometimes occur, as they may in any surgical procedure.

They include:

• Adverse reaction to anaesthetic
• Bleeding
• Wound infection
• Thrombosis (clots) in the legs (rare)
• Injury to internal organs (very rare)

Will I have pain after the procedure?

You may have some mild abdominal discomfort. The nurses on the ward will give you painkillers that should control this. You will also be given some painkillers to take home. You may experience some shoulder tip pain.

When will I be able to go home?

You can usually go home the same day of the operation. The ward nurses will arrange for you to be seen by the district nurse on discharge if required.

When will I get my results?

We will arrange to see you in the outpatient clinic to discuss results and your treatment plan.

Where can I get further information?

Upper GI Specialist Nurse - 0161 206 5062
Upper GI Surgical Secretaries - 0161 206 5472, 0161 206 5128, 0161 206 0449 or 0161 206 1160
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre - 0161 206 1455