Laparoscopy is a procedure to look inside the abdomen by using a high definition, thin telescope called laparoscope. It is used to light up and magnify the structures inside the abdomen. A laparoscope is passed into the abdomen through a small incision in the abdomen.

A laparoscopy may be done to find the cause of symptoms such as infertility or abdominal/ pelvic pain . Or, it may be done if a previous test such as an X-ray or ultrasound scan has identified a problem within the abdomen or pelvis.

A laparoscopy enables a doctor to see clearly inside the abdomen and perform the treatment at the same time in many cases. In addition to simply looking inside, a doctor can use fine instruments, which are passed into the abdomen through small incisions in the abdomen and perform the required operation accordingly.

Laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery has several advantages over traditional open surgery. Its advantages are trauma to the skin and muscles is reduced, less abdominal incision along with less scar, less post-operative pain hence less use of postoperative pain medications, less blood loss hence less chances of blood transfusion, shorter hospital stay, and a quicker and better recovery period and hence  quicker resumption of their normal activities.

There is a revolution taking place in the modern practice of medicine—particularly in the field of surgery.  This surgical revolution has evolved out of the so-called “information age” of the late 20th century and early 21st century.

The current trend in surgery toward minimally invasive and noninvasive therapeutic procedures is another result of newer technologies generated by information science.

Are the Nepalese population aware of these advantages going around the world? We are trying to serve our population with the newest technologies going around the world which our women are reluctant to accept.  It may be due to poor counseling or lack of knowledge about the technology.

We are trying to develop our country too with the newest technologies by taking various training from our neighboring countries.  Seeing the advances of countries like India, Pakistan and other countries we are lagging far behind.

Are we only responsible for this lack? I doubt it because our population are also lagging behind in this awareness.

The writer is with Alka Hospital, Lalitpur