Information for patients Having a staging laparoscopy Turnberg Building Upper GI General Surgery 0161 206 5062 Page 1 of 5
This booklet has four aims: l To help you and your family become better informed and more involved in your care l To explain the operation you will be having l To describe what will happen after the operation l To help overcome any worries you may have about the operation 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 (about 1cm long) cut in the skin, usually below your navel. Why do I need this investigation? You have had a CT scan, which has given us pictures of the growth in your oesophagus / stomach and of the other organs in your chest and abdomen. CT scanning does not always provide all of the detailed information that we need to plan your treatment. Are there any alternatives to this investigation? There are no simple alternative investigations that would give the same information as laparoscopy. How do I prepare for a staging laparoscopy? l You will be seen in the preoperative clinic before the procedure where you will see the surgeon, anaesthetist and nurse who will organise for you to have any necessary blood tests and investigations l If you smoke, try and stop at least for a few days prior to the procedure. If required we can refer you for advice about stopping smoking l You will be admitted as an inpatient on the day of your laparoscopy l You will need to be nil-by-mouth 4-6 hours before the procedure l The staff on the ward will provide you with a gown to wear and will prepare you for theatre 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. Page 2 of 5
How is a staging laparoscopy performed? l You will have a general anaesthetic for the procedure l Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen through a 1cm incision to temporarily expand the space inside which will allow the surgeon a clear view of the internal organs l 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 l 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 l 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 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. When will I be able to go home? You can usually go home the day after 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? The doctor who has done the laparoscopy will speak to you the day after the procedure and tell you the results. If biopsies have been taken you will be brought back to clinic a week later to discuss the results and future treatment plan. 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: l Adverse reaction to anaesthetic l Bleeding l Wound infection l Thrombosis (clots) in the legs (rare) l Injury to internal organs (very rare) Page 3 of 5
Where can I get further information? You can contact the specialist nurse on: Upper GI Specialist Nurse 0161 206 5062 07623 604196 pager 07623 606807 pager 07623 622347 pager sarah.warburton@srft.nhs.uk Patient s questions Upper GI Surgical Secretaries 0161 206 5472 0161 206 5448 0161 206 5128 Salford Royal Switchboard 0161 789 7373 ask for bleeps 5077 or 2366 Cancer Baccup 020 7696 9003 0808 800 1234 MacMillan Cancer Support Centre 0161 206 1455 Trafford Macmillan Centre 0161 746 2080 Page 4 of 5
For further information on this leaflet, it s references and sources used, please contact 0161 206 5062. Copies of this information are available in other languages and formats upon request. If you need this interpreting please telephone In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities, to access this treatment / service. Email: InterpretationandTrans@srft.nhs.uk Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, consent will not be required from living patients from whom tissue has been taken for diagnosis or testing to use any left over tissue for the following purposes: clinical audit, education or training relating to human health, performance assessment, public health monitoring and quality assurance. If you object to your tissue being used for any of the above purposes, please inform a member of staff immediately. Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy. For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service on 0161 206 1779 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD Telephone 0161 789 7373 www.srft.nhs.uk If you would like to become a Foundation Trust Member please visit: www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-members If you have any suggestions as to how this document could be improved in the future then please visit: http://www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-patients Page 5 of 5