A laparoscope is a slender, lighted telescope. It allows a doctor to see inside your body. Diagnostic laparoscopy can determine whether you have conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. It can also be a form of treatment. With miniaturized instruments, your doctor can perform a variety of surgeries. These include:

• ovarian cyst removal
• tubal ligation (surgical contraception)
• hysterectomy

Laparoscopy generally has a shorter healing time than open surgery. It also leaves smaller scars. A gynecologist may perform this procedure.

Reasons for Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both. A diagnostic procedure can turn into treatment.

Some reasons for diagnostic laparoscopy are:

• unexplained pelvic pain
• unexplained infertility
• history of pelvic infection

Conditions that might be diagnosed include:

• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids
• ovarian cysts or tumors
• ectopic pregnancy
• pelvic abscess (pus)
• pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
• infertility
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• reproductive cancers

Some types of laparoscopic treatment include:

• hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• removal of the ovaries
• removal of ovarian cysts
• removal of fibroids
• blocking blood flow to fibroids
• endometrial tissue ablation (endometriosis treatment)
• adhesion removal
• reversal of tubal ligation (contraceptive surgery)
• burch procedure for incontinence
• vault suspension to treat prolapse

Preparing for Gynecological Laparoscopy

Preparation depends on the type of surgery. You may need imaging tests. Your doctor might order fasting.

Tell your doctor about any medication you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may need to stop them before the procedure.

Procedure

Laparoscopy is almost always performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be unconscious for the procedure. However, you may still be able to go home the same day.

Once you are asleep, a small tube called a catheter will be inserted. This collects your urine. Then your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide gas. This is done with a small needle. The gas keeps the abdominal wall away from your organs. It reduces the risk of injury.

The surgeon will make a small cut in your navel. The laparoscope will be inserted. It transmits images to a screen. This gives your doctor a clear view of your organs.

What happens next depends on the type of procedure. For diagnosis, your doctor might take a look and then be done. If you need surgery, other incisions will be made. Instruments will be inserted through these holes. Then surgery is performed using the laparoscope as a guide.

Once the procedure is over, all instruments are removed. Incisions are closed with stitches. Then you will be bandaged and sent to recovery.

Recovery After Laparoscopy

Once the procedure is over, nurses will monitor your vital signs. You will stay in recovery until the effects of anesthesia fade. You will not be released until you can urinate on your own. Difficulty urinating is a possible side effect of catheter use.

Recovery time varies. It depends on what procedure was performed. You may be free to go home a few hours after surgery. You might also have to stay in the hospital for one or more nights.

After surgery, your belly button might be tender. There may be bruises on your stomach. The gas inside you can make your chest, middle, and shoulders ache. There is a chance that you will feel nauseated for the rest of the day.

Before you go home, your doctor will give you instructions regarding medication and side effects. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication. You may also receive antibiotics to prevent infection.

Outcomes of Laparoscopy

The results of these procedures are usually good. This technology allows the surgeon to easily see and diagnose many problems. Recovery time is also shorter compared to open surgery.