ABSTRACT

Gynecologists declared laparoscopy as a safe way to diagnose pelvic pain. Laparoscopy proved to be advantageous in reduction of postoperative pain, better cosmetic results, quicker return to normal activities, reduction in hospital stay, overall reduction in medical cost, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative respiratory complications and less postoperative wound infection.

Laparoscopic procedures are done on an outpatient basis. When choosing the anesthetic method the extent of the operative procedure, the safety of the patient, the patients general condition in accompanying diseases, experience of the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, possible complications, the patient’s choice and the comfort of the surgeon must be taken into account. When performing ambulatory surgery, attention must be paid to using drugs leading to minimal residual effects and rapid recovery of the patient.

Regional anesthesia offers several advantages: quicker recovery, decreased postoperative nausea, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, cost effectiveness, improved patient satisfaction, and overall safety, early diagnosis of complications and fewer hemodynamic effects. General anesthesia complications like throat pain, muscle pain, airway trauma are avoided in regional anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia was considered as a safe alternative to general anesthesia without associated respiratory depression.

General anesthesia is the most common technique used for operative laparoscopies. Even if general anesthesia is not the choice it may be required due to the failure of regional techniques or to an unexpected change in the surgical procedure. General anesthesia with endotracheal entubation and controlled ventilation is the safest technique and favored in long laparoscopic procedures.