Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgery that uses a thin, lighted tube put through a cut (incision) in the belly to look at the abdominal organs or the female pelvic organs. Laparoscopy is used to find and treat problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, adhesions, uterine fibroids and infection.

In many cases laparoscopy can be done instead of laparotomy surgery that uses a larger incision in the belly. Laparoscopy can be less stressful and may have less problems and lower costs than laparotomy for minor surgeries. It can often be done without needing to stay overnight in the hospital.

Why It Is Done

• Check for and treat conditions such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). See an illustration of endometriosis.
• Find conditions that can make it hard for a woman to become pregnant. These conditions include ovarian cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and infection. Laparoscopy may be done after initial infertility tests do not show the cause for the infertility.
• Do a tubal ligation.
• Take out organs, such as the uterus, spleen, gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), ovaries, or appendix (appendectomy). Partial removal (resection) of the colon also can be done.

How It Is Done

• Laparoscopy is done by a surgeon. General anesthesia is used.
• About an hour before the surgery, you will empty your bladder. You will get fluids and medicine through an intravenous (IV) in a vein in your arm. You may get a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.
• An airway tube will be placed in your throat to protect your airway while you are under general anesthesia.
• Your bladder is usually emptied after you go to sleep. Long surgical cases may require a catheter.
• Your belly and pelvic area will be washed with a special soap.

Laparoscopy takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on what is done, but can take longer if a condition (such as endometriosis) is found and treated. After the laparoscopy, you will go to the recovery room for 2 to 4 hours. You can usually do your normal activities in 2 days, but do not do any strenuous activity or exercise for about a week.