• Gynecologic Laparoscopy

If there is a surgical field which embraces laparoscopy as an ideal  option, it is with Gynecology, as it is applicable to all of the surgical gynecological procedures. Historically, the gynecologists were the ones that emphasized and promoted the use of laparoscopy   as the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of diseases and their surgical management in their field.  

Laparoscopic surgery today is equipped with special instruments that allow the surgeon to perform the same technical procedures performed in conventional open gynecological operations. These include the laparoscope, endoscopic dissectors and scissors, endo-clip applicators, endo-graspers and forceps for aspiration and/or biopsy, endo-cautery/ morselators/ mechanical staples and endoscopic needle holders among others.

The diameter of these special laparoscopic instruments range, from 5mm to 10mm but there are other instruments that have a diameter of 2mm to 18mm. As a result of this, laparoscopic surgery is performed through very small incisions, from ½ cm. to 1 cm. in length, which maintains the cosmetics effects while performing the procedure. This is in contrast to the incisions of traditional open surgery, which usually can reach up to 10 to 15cm in length.

When the laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal-pelvic cavity, it is connected to the Laparoscopic Control Tower. This tower contains a special TV monitor which will show not only the different organs but the actual pathology and therefore allows the surgical procedure to take place.  The Laparoscopic Tower also contains the laparoscopic camera and the light source with their cables as well as the CO2 insufflation device.

The German gynecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. K. Semm has improved, modified and developed special laparoscopic instruments to improve gynecological surgical techniques since the 1960’s. According to his own publications in the 1980s, he was performing at least 75% of the surgical procedures through laparoscopy. He is considered the patriarch of Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery.