A Study into the Efficiency of an Ordinary Videocamera and Television when used with a Laparoscope

Abstract

Objective To develop less expensive equipment as a substitute for the standard videolaparos cope and evaluate its efficiency.

Main outcome measures Operating time, amount of analgesics, admission days, and recovery time at home.

Results The equipment was made up from an ordinary home video system (videocamera, television and videorecorder) together with the relevant surgical instruments (laparoscope, air insufflator, light source, trocar and uterine elevator). All this was connected in such a way as to duplicate the functions of the standard videolaparoscope. The experimental group had (1) decreased operating time compared with conventional laparoscopy, (2) decreased use of intramuscular analgesic drugs, (3) decreased number of admission days and (4) required a shorter recovery time at home.

Conclusion The experimental videolaparoscope can be used more comfortably than the conventional laparoscope, it allows the patient to benefit from of minimal invasive surgery as efficiently as the more costly standard videolaparoscope.