Microlaparoscopy: diagnostic and sterilization without general anaesthesia: a safe, practical and cost‐effective technique

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the technique of ‘microlaparoscopy’, i.e. the use of a small diameter (2.2 mm outer diameter or less) rigid laparoscope for outpatient diagnostic and sterilization purposes without general anaesthesia. Volunteer patients were offered and underwent either diagnostic laparoscopy using local anaesthesia alone, or laparoscopic sterilization using both local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation. There were no control groups. The setting was a purpose‐built private outpatient facility, 3 miles from a district general hospital, and the subjects included 52 volunteer patients (10 for sterilization and 42 for diagnostic laparoscopy). All operations were carried out successfully without complication and with good patient acceptability. Microlaparoscopy is a useful tool for performing both diagnostic and sterilization laparoscopy in an outpatient setting, and avoids the need for general anaesthesia. The procedures are safe and cost effective, provided adequate facilities are properly designed and utilized.