Frequently Asked Questions - Gynecology

A laparoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to look directly at your reproductive organs using an instrument called a laparoscope. This procedure is diagnostic, in that it allows the doctor to see problems that could not be seen with a pelvic exam, X-Rays, or Ultrasound. Often, the problem can also be treated during the procedure. Normally, you can go home the same day the procedure is performed.

What is a Laparoscope? A laparoscope is a long, narrow tube with a fiber optic light at one end. It is inserted into the abdomen through an incision in or under the navel. It can be maneuvered in any direction to allow views of the internal organs. Generally two to three other small incisions will be made below the bikini line to allow surgical instruments or a laser to be inserted into the lower abdomen.

Adhesions When tissues in the abdomen stick together, and this forms scar tissue, called adhesions, the laparoscope may be used. Adhesions can result from infection, previous pelvic surgery, or endometriosis. They can be a cause of pelvic pain. The tissues can be separated during a laparoscopy.

Endometriosis When uterine tissue (endometrium) is found outside the uterus the condition is called endometriosis. This tissue bleeds each month with the menstrual cycle but these products cannot escape the body. This can result in pelvic pain and adhesions. Endometriosis is diagnosed by laparoscopy and many times can be treated through the laparoscope.

Infertility If a woman is having trouble conceiving, the physician may perform a laparoscopy to look for endometriosis and to look at the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, the egg and the sperm cannot meet.

Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that has implanted outside of the uterus. Most of the time, it has implanted in a fallopian tube. A laparoscopy can be used to diagnose, and many times treat this problem.

Ovarian Cysts An ovarian cyst is a pouch containing fluid or solid material attached to or around the ovary which may be painful. Often the cyst will resolve on its own. If it doesn’t then it can often be treated through the laparoscope.

Fibroids Fibroids are tumors made up of fibrous tissue that can grow inside, outside, or within the walls of the uterus. Sometimes a laparoscope is used to diagnose fibroids.

What takes place during a laparoscopy? A laparoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure meaning you will go home the same day. Usually, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the surgery. Sometimes a regional anesthesia can be used. The surgeon will make a one inch incision just below or inside the navel, and then will insert a needle and inject carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen. This harmless gas inflates the inside of your abdominal cavity and lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs, creating a space to allow the surgeon to see the organs.

After the procedure is over, the instruments will be removed and the gas released. The incisions are usually closed with a few dissolvable stitches or skin glue. You will be sent to the Recovery Room until you are awake and alert.

Following the surgery, it is not unusual to have some abdominal cramping or shoulder discomfort due to the carbon dioxide gas. This will gradually go away over the next few days.