Diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look directly at the contents of a patient’s abdomen or pelvis.

How the Test is Performed

The procedure is usually done in the hospital or outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia (while you are asleep and pain-free). However, very rarely, this procedure may also be done using local anesthesia. This numbs only the area affected by the surgery and allows you to stay awake.

The surgeon makes a small cut below the belly button (navel) and inserts a needle into the area. Carbon dioxide gas is passed into the abdomen to expand the area. This gives the surgeon more room to work, and helps the surgeon see the organs more clearly.

A tube is placed through the cut in your abdomen. A tiny video camera (laparoscope) goes through this tube and is used to see the inside of your pelvis and abdomen. More small cuts may be made if other instruments are needed to get a better view of certain organs.

If you are having a laparoscopy meant for infertility, dye may be injected into your cervix area so the surgeon can better see your fallopian tubes.

After the exam, the gas, laparoscope, and instruments are removed, and the cuts are closed. You will have bandages over those areas.