Laparoscopy

Problems that occur with a woman's reproductive organs sometimes cannot be found by a physical examination alone. Other tests, X-ray, or ultrasound may still leave some uncertainty. In these cases, a type of diagnostic surgery, called laparoscopy, may be performed. It allows the doctor to look inside the abdomen at these organs. Laparoscopy is done with a slender telescope-like instrument, called a laparoscope, that is inserted through a small cut just below the navel. Although this method does represent surgery that requires anesthesia and involves some discomfort afterward, it is usually safe, and the recovery period is short.

Laparoscopy can be done to help your doctor determine what is wrong, and also as a means of treatment. Laparoscopy can also be used to treat endometriosis, absesses, pelvic inflammatory disease, hysterectomy, removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries, and bladder suspension.

Uses of Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is often used to find the cause of abdominal pain, infertility, or other problems in the reproductive organs. In these cases, a doctor cannot tell from a physical or from a patient's symptoms exactly what is wrong. A look inside the body is needed.

Endometriosis
Sharp, deep pain in the pelvis during intercourse or at other times may be caused by endometriosis. This is a condition in which tissue like the inner lining of the uterus is found growing in other areas in the pelvis. Sometimes this tissue is seen on the surface of the tubes, ovaries, uterus, bowel, or on other parts of the body in the lower abdomen. This tissue bleeds at the end of each menstrual cycle, just as if it were in the uterus. Since the fluid cannot be flushed freely out of the body, it can build up inside, causing nearby tissues to become red, swollen, and painful.

Adhesions
Adhesions can also cause pain. This occurs when during the healing process, tissues grow together, which can occur with infection, endometriosis, and surgery. Movements of the body will stretch the adhesion causing discomfort or a sense of binding. If adhesions are found, they can be separated surgically during laparoscopy.

Infertility
Laparoscopy may be used to determine the cause of infertility. In some women the fallopian tubes a, blocked. This can prevent sperm and egg from coming together, causing infertility. With laparoscopy, a simple test confirms this possibility. A colored fluid is injected through the uterus. If the tubes are open the fluid will flow out the ends of the tubes into the abdomen. The surgeon can see this through the laparoscope.

Cysts and Tumors
The ovaries sometimes develop cysts, or fluid filled sacs. These cysts may be harmless, causing only mild pain. Some cause infertility or menstrual disorders. Ovarian cysts may disappear after a short time. If they don't, your doctor may want to perform laparoscopy to find out what type they are, since some of these cysts on the ovaries may need to be removed surgically.

Source: Patient education material from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used as a source of information to develop the content for this topic.

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