Intermediate
Technical
IVT
therapeutic laparoscopy
Pronunciation: lap-ar-os-KOP-ee
Minimally invasive surgical procedure performed through small incisions to treat intra-abdominal pathology.
Full Definition
A surgical technique utilizing specialized instruments and cameras inserted through small abdominal incisions to diagnose and treat various intra-abdominal conditions. In acute care surgery, therapeutic laparoscopy is increasingly used for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and management of traumatic injuries when patient stability permits. The approach offers advantages including reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and improved cosmetic outcomes compared to open surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'therapeutic' to distinguish from diagnostic laparoscopy.
In Context
- "Therapeutic laparoscopy successfully treated the perforated duodenal ulcer." — Operative report
- "The patient was a candidate for therapeutic laparoscopy given hemodynamic stability." — Surgical planning
Also known as
laparoscopic surgery
minimally invasive surgery
Contrasted with
open laparotomy
laparoscopic conversion
Don't confuse with
diagnostic laparoscopy
laparotomy