Definition

        
Laparoscopy is a procedure that inserts a small telescope (laparoscope) in the abdomen that assists the doctor when performing surgery in the abdomen and pelvis.

Alternative Names

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy
• Operative Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is recommended for woman who

• Have problems with infertility
• Want to be sterilized
• Have abdominal pain
• Have pelvic pain
• Removal of pelvic organs, including ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus

Benefits of the procedure

• Short hospital stay
• Small incision
• Short recovery time
• Early return to work
• Minimal postoperative pain

Laparoscopy may detect:

• Ovarian cysts
• Blockage in the fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Uterine Fibroids
• Tumors
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

What is Laparoscopy?

          
A laparoscope is a tiny telescope that brings light into the abdomen so the doctor can view the inside of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is often used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain, infertility, or other problems in the reproductive organs. Doctors can look directly at the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby organs by using a laparoscope.

To perform the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision below the belly button and inserts the laparoscope into the abdomen. Carbon dioxide is used to expand the abdomen so that the pelvic organs can be seen. Additional small incisions may be made in the lower abdomen to allow instruments to be placed to assist the surgery. When the procedure is completed, the instruments and gas is removed and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. Another incision may be made above the pubic region. Through this incision, the laparoscope is inserted and an additional instrument is used to move the organs into view. After the doctor uses the laparoscope, the cuts are then closed with stitches that dissolve.

It is normal for the patient to experience:

• Pain in the neck and shoulders from the gas put inside the abdomen
• Pain where the instruments passed though the abdominal wall
• Abdominal cramps
• Light vaginal discharge for a day or two