The Gale Encyclopedia Of Cancer

The GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA of Cancer The GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA of Cancer A GUIDE TO CANCER AND ITS TREATMENTS VO L U M E 2 L-Z GENERAL INDEX E L L E N T H A C K E R Y, E D I T O R L Lactulose see Laxatives Lambert-Eaton syndrome see EatonLambert syndrome Langerhans cell histiocytosis see Histiocytosis X place of open surgery) is controversial. The procedure is being studied to determine if it is as effective as open surgery in complex operations. Laparoscopy is also being investigated as a screening tool for ovarian cancer. Laparoscopy is widely used in procedures for noncancerous conditions that in the past required open surgery, such as removal of the appendix (appendectomy) and gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). Diagnostic procedure Laparoscopy Definition Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube (laparoscope) is inserted. The viewing tube has a small camera on the eyepiece. This allows the doctor to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the tube. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform procedures. Laparoscopy can be done to diagnose conditions or to perform certain types of operations. It is less invasive than regular open abdominal surgery (laparotomy). As a diagnostic procedure, laparoscopy is useful in taking biopsies of abdominal or pelvic growths, as well as lymph nodes. It allows the doctor to examine the abdominal area, including the female organs, appendix, gallbladder, stomach, and the liver. Laparoscopy is used to determine the cause of pelvic pain or gynecological symptoms that cannot be confirmed