Laparoscopy

To diagnose certain problems, a doctor needs to look directly into the abdomen and at the reproductive organs. This can be done with laparoscopy.

A laparoscope is a small telescope that is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. Laparoscopy is an outpatient procedure and no hospital stay is usually required.

There are several reasons why laparoscopy may be performed. If your doctor suspects that you have a certain problem, he or she may use laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Laparoscopy may be used if you have problems with infertility or if you want to be sterilized. It is also used to check for ectopic pregnancy, causes of pelvic pain, and masses.

Besides using the laparoscope to look into the abdomen to diagnose a problem, your doctor can use it for treatment as well. For some procedures, laparoscopy has replaced the need for laparotomy. Laparotomy involves opening the abdomen to operate on reproductive organs.

Uses of Laparoscopy

Endometriosis. Tissue like endometrium (the lining of the uterus) sometimes grows in places outside of the uterus. The tissue bleeds every month, as with a menstrual cycle. This condition is called endometriosis. It can cause pain, scar tissue, and infertility. One way to be certain that endometriosis is present is by laparoscopy. Sometimes, endometriosis can also be treated through the laparoscope.

Adhesions. Sometimes tissues in the abdomen stick together and form scar tissue called adhesions. This can happen because of infection, endometriosis, or surgery. Adhesions can cause pain. They often can be separated during laparoscopy.

Fibroids. Fibroids are growths that form on the inside, outside, or within the wall of the uterus. Laparoscopy can diagnose some fibroids.

Ovarian cysts. Ovaries sometimes develop cysts (fluid-filled sacs). These cysts may be harmless, causing only mild pain. Some cause infertility or menstrual disorders. Some ovarian cysts may disappear after a short time. If they don't, your doctor may choose to remove them during laparoscopy.

Hysterectomy. The laparoscope can be used to assist in a vaginal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus through the vagina). The laparoscope is used to help the doctor see inside the abdomen during part of the surgery. Laparoscopy can also assist with the removal of the ovaries. It can be done to remove ovaries alone, whether or not the uterus has already been removed.

Infertility and Sterilization

Women who have trouble getting pregnant may have laparoscopy to find problems like endometriosis or cysts. With laparoscopy, your doctor can also tell whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.

Laparoscopy is also used for sterilization. In this operation, the doctor uses the laparoscope as a guide to block the fallopian tubes by cutting, clipping, or burning them. It is meant to be a permanent method of birth control.

Benefits of Laparoscopy

In the past, most surgery involving reproductive organs was done by laparotomy. Now, many of these same procedures are done through the laparoscope. There are many benefits to laparoscopy—a shorter hospital stay, smaller incisions, and a shorter recovery.

It is safe to resume normal activities as soon as you feel up to it, usually within a few days. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about when you can have sex again.

Laparoscopy can be useful in diagnosing and treating many gynecologic problems. It has taken the place of surgery in some cases and offers the benefits of fewer problems and shorter recovery.

© 2007 Women Partners in OB-GYN