What is a coelioscopy ?

The coelioscopy technique

Coelioscopy is an operation performed using a general anaesthetic, without “opening the stomach”. The abdominal cavity is filled with gas to lift up the stomach wall, and the instruments and ring are introduced through 4 or 5 incisions between 0.5 and 1.5 cm in length. This allows the surgeon to operate to a TV camera which is filming the area.

There are many advantages: very little pain, a short period in hospital, and minimum scarring.

It should be mentioned that the surgeon may be forced to “open up” in the case of serious complications. This occurs in exceptional cases. It is also an exceptional case when the ring cannot be positioned due to unexpected technical difficulties, and in this case the operation is postponed.

Operation contraindications

The contraindications are the same as for any general anaesthetic, and this means you cannot be operated on. These are drawn up after the pre-anaesthetic consultation and appraisal, and are generally related to heart or lung problems.

The contraindications may be temporary – for example, intoxication with alcohol or tobacco, psychic disorders, drug dependency etc.

If you have already undergone an operation in the epigastric region (i.e., above the navel: hiatus hernia, ulcer, gall bladder), a coelioscopy may prove difficult due to adherences (intestines and organs adhering to each other).