1. What is laparoscopy, and what conditions can it be used to examine or even treat?

Laparoscopy actually comes in two types: diagnostic and therapeutic. To perform a laparoscopy, the doctor makes a small incision in the patient's abdomen and inserts a tube equipped with a light source and camera lens through this incision. This allows for the examination of organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, demonstrating its wide range of applications. The primary uses of laparoscopy include investigating the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain, removing tumors, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, diagnosing endometriosis, detecting pelvic inflammatory disease, checking for fallopian tube blockage, and identifying the causes of infertility.

Laparoscopic surgery can treat a variety of problems, including: 

• Removal of uterine fibroids

1. Ovarian cyst removal

2. Hysterectomy (removal of uterus) or removal of ovaries/fallopian tubes due to benign (uterine fibroids/ adenomyosis /excessive menstrual bleeding) or malignant tumors.

3. Laparoscopic surgery is used to remove organs affected by malignant tumors, such as the uterus, intestines, kidneys, and bladder; as well as related lymph nodes

4. Treatment of endometriosis - Removal of chocolate cysts, pelvic endometriosis, and other organs affected by endometriosis, such as the intestines or bladder.

5. Diagnose the cause of infertility, such as fallopian tube blockage/endometriosis.

• Treatment for ectopic pregnancy (including salpingectomy or salpingostomy).

2. Under what circumstances do women need to undergo a colposcopy? Is this examination quite painful?

Today, many women prioritize their health and undergo regular checkups. However, if a Pap smear reveals abnormalities in the cells or a high risk of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), doctors generally recommend a colposcopy. This further confirms the abnormality and allows for tissue sampling for pathological analysis, aiming to diagnose the condition as quickly as possible and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Women with a history of cervical abnormalities or who have undergone treatment especially need regular vaginal examinations . Early detection of abnormalities can effectively control the condition, significantly reduce its severity, and may also help prevent related cancers.

The colposcopy procedure may cause some discomfort and pain for the patient. The procedure itself takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Additionally, tissue aspiration may cause mild cramping and bleeding. However, most patients can complete the examination without anesthesia or additional painkillers.

3. What is hysteroscopy? What are its principles and procedures?

Hysteroscopy is a non-invasive gynecological endoscopic examination. During this procedure, the doctor uses a thin, long hysteroscope equipped with a light source and a lens, inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. This allows for a clear examination of the internal structure of the uterus and the condition of its mucous membranes, enabling the diagnosis and treatment of any subtle lesions. This examination is superior to traditional ultrasound examination because it provides a clearer view of the uterine cavity and is more direct and efficient.

In summary, hysteroscopy works by using a camera and lights to transmit clear images of the uterus in real time to a screen, which doctors and medical staff can then view and analyze. This examination does not require open surgery and involves no abdominal incisions, making it very safe. Hysteroscopy can be performed in an operating room or clinic, and mild anesthesia may be administered if necessary.

4. What is the process of laparoscopic surgery?

If a patient needs to undergo laparoscopic surgery, the general procedure is as follows:
‧         Before surgery, doctors will conduct a detailed assessment of the patient's condition, including reviewing their medical history and performing a physical examination. Since anesthesia is often administered before surgery, doctors will also conduct an anesthesia risk assessment, as well as imaging and blood tests. Patients will need to sign a consent form and follow the doctor's advice regarding fasting.
‧         The anesthesia method for laparoscopic examination is general anesthesia.
‧         After disinfecting the patient's abdomen, the doctor first makes a small incision at the navel and inserts a cannula.
‧         Next, carbon dioxide is inflated into the abdominal cavity, separating the organs and providing a clear view and operating space for the surgery.
‧         Insert the laparoscope through the incision, and then insert the microsurgical instruments and other surgical equipment in sequence through the cannula.
‧         Doctors can view the images provided by the instrument's lens on the screen and operate the instruments to perform laparoscopic examinations or resections.
‧         Removal is performed for certain diseases, such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. In addition, there are repair procedures, such as repairing the uterus or fallopian tubes.
‧         The removed tissue is first placed in a special bag, then cut into small pieces and pulled out through a small incision, greatly reducing the risk of internal organ contamination and infection.
‧         The removed tissue is extracted via a special bag through a small incision, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
‧         Once the surgical wound has stopped bleeding, been cleaned and repaired, abdominal gas can be released, and internal instruments and lenses can be gradually removed.
‧         After the surgery, the wound needs to be sutured and the patient observed post-operatively. For small incisions, absorbable sutures can be used, so suture removal is not necessary. If the doctor observes no abnormalities, the patient can be discharged one to two days after the surgery.
Post-operative precautions: On the day of surgery, medical staff will guide you to get out of bed, drink water, and eat. A few people may experience mild abdominal bloating or a feeling of gas accumulation, which usually subsides within a few days. If you experience fever, severe abdominal pain, or redness and swelling of the wound, it is recommended to follow up with your doctor immediately.

5. What dietary precautions should be taken after undergoing laparoscopic surgery?

Yes, choosing the right food can positively impact recovery after laparoscopic surgery. For example, drinking plenty of water and eating more fruits and vegetables can keep bowel movements regular and prevent constipation, which can cause excessive straining during bowel movements and hinder wound healing. Also, if your doctor prescribes painkillers, you should take them as directed. After laparoscopic surgery , you may experience dizziness and nausea due to lingering anesthesia. In this case, it's advisable to start with light, easily digestible foods such as soups and porridge. It's best to avoid spicy or irritating foods after surgery.

6. How long does a colposcopy typically take to complete? 

The colposcopy procedure is not complicated. Even if a small amount of tissue needs to be extracted for further pathological examination, the entire procedure takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, which is quite quick.

7. What preparations should be made before undergoing a hysteroscopy? And what we need to beware of after hysteroscopy?

If you plan to undergo a hysteroscopy, the first thing to know is that it is not suitable to have this examination during your menstrual period, so pay attention to the date when making the appointment. Also, it is not advisable to have sexual intercourse, douche, or use vaginal suppositories within 24 hours before the examination. You need to empty your bladder before the hysteroscopy . If anesthesia is required, you need to fast for 6 hours before the procedure; otherwise, fasting is not necessary.

After a hysteroscopy, patients may experience slight bleeding and lower abdominal pain, but these are normal and will disappear within a few days, so there is no need to worry. The following situations may occur after a hysteroscopy:

1. You may experience mild pain and bleeding, which usually disappears after about a week.

2. In the first one to two weeks after the examination, avoid sexual activity, swimming, bathing, and using tampons to greatly reduce the chance of wound infection.

However, if any abnormal vaginal bleeding is found after the examination, please seek medical attention as soon as possible for further examination.

8. How long does the entire hysteroscopy procedure typically take?

Hysteroscopy can usually be completed quickly, but the time required may vary depending on the individual case. When the examination is primarily for diagnosis (such as observation and biopsy of the uterine cavity structure), the time required is generally only about 10 to 15 minutes, and in some simpler cases, it may only take 5 to 10 minutes.

If the hysteroscopy or surgery is therapeutic in nature, such as the removal of polyps or fibroids, the procedure is more complex due to the need for precise handling and it generally takes 20 to 45 minutes. Even if the condition is more serious requiring more complex treatment, most treatments will still take less than an hour.

After the procedure, patients can usually go home the same day after a short rest, without needing to be hospitalized. However, if anesthesia is required during the process, or if the surgery is more complex, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for observation until the next day.

9. As mentioned above, there may be slight bleeding after a colposcopy. How long does this bleeding last?

If a colposcopy is performed and a biopsy is required for further examination, it may cause slight bleeding, which usually stops within 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, panty liners should be used during this time. Sexual intercourse, swimming, and bathing should be avoided during bleeding, and tampons should not be used to greatly reduce the chance of wound infection.

10. What are the necessary nursing care precautions after undergoing a laparoscopy?

First, because the relevant examinations and surgeries require an abdominal incision and the injection of carbon dioxide, patients may experience pain in their shoulders and ribs. This is a normal side effect and nothing to worry about . However, if the pain is severe and lasts for a long time, you may ask your doctor for pain medication.

Furthermore, since the incisions from laparoscopic examinations and surgeries are quite small and the pain is relatively low, patients should get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after appropriate rest following surgery; otherwise, prolonged bed rest may lead to pneumonia.

In addition, pay attention to whether there is bleeding or excessive seepage from the dressing of the surgical wound. After discharge, you should also have regular follow-up visits so that the doctor can check the condition of the wound.

After undergoing laparoscopic surgery, strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects should be avoided to prevent excessive strain on the abdominal muscles and to avoid affecting the recovery process.

After surgery, when coughing or sneezing, apply pressure to stabilize the abdominal wound to reduce pain caused by vibration.

If you experience fever, severe lower abdominal pain, redness, swelling, heat , or pain in the wound, or abnormal discharge or a strong odor after surgery, seek medical attention immediately.