Laparoscopy, also known as diagnostic laparoscopy, is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. It’s a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that requires only small incisions.

Laparoscopy uses an instrument called a laparoscope to look at the abdominal organs. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The instrument is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. As it moves along, the camera sends images to a video monitor.

Laparoscopy is often used to identify and diagnose the source of pelvic or abdominal pain. It’s usually performed when noninvasive methods are unable to help with diagnosis.

In many cases, abdominal problems can also be diagnosed with imaging techniques such as:

ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body

CT scan, which is a series of special X-rays that take cross-sectional images of the body

MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of the body

Laparoscopy is performed when these tests don’t provide enough information or insight for a diagnosis. The procedure may also be used to take a biopsy, or sample of tissue, from a particular organ in the abdomen.

Your doctor may recommend laparoscopy to examine the following organs:

appendix

gallbladder

liver

pancreas

small intestine and large intestine (colon)

spleen

stomach

pelvic or reproductive organs

Stroke can cause a lot of symptoms like weakness, numbness, slurred speech etc. Most of the strokes are painless. They can be easily diagnosed by patients and their relatives.

REMEMBER THE 6 S METHOD TO DIAGNOSE STROKE:

The symptoms of stroke depend on what part of the brain is damaged. The most common symptoms include: SUDDEN (symptoms usually start suddenly) SLURRED SPEECH ( speech is not clear, as if drunk) SIDE WEAK ( face, arm or leg or all three can get weak) SPINNING ( VERTIGO) SEVERE HEADACHE SECONDS ( note the time when the symptoms start and rush to the hospital) Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected and if not treated well in time, the weakness and other neurological defects may become permanent and extremely disabling.

WHICH AGE GROUP IS AT RISK OF STROKE?

Stroke is more common in adults older than 40 years however even children and babies can have stroke

IS STROKE PREVENTABLE?

Stroke is preventable if you control your BP, sugar and cholesterol. Stop smoking. Indulge in an active lifestyle and daily exercise to prevent stroke.