Laparoscopy

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery to treat a variety of women’s health conditions, including endometriosis and ovarian cysts. A laparoscopy also may be used for tubal ligation and can help diagnose the cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Because laparoscopy requires small incisions, it offers the benefit of less pain and faster recovery times than open surgery.

Laparoscopy is performed with a laparoscope, a long, narrow device with an attached camera. The camera allows your Ob-Gyn to see your pelvic organs on an electronic screen. Instruments also may be inserted through the same or a new incision to perform surgery.

What does laparoscopy treat?

Your OB/GYN at Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates may recommend laparoscopy to diagnose and treat the following medical conditions:

• Endometriosis: To diagnose and remove endometrial tissue during the same procedure
• Fibroids: To remove fibroids causing pain or heavy bleeding
• Ovarian cyst: To remove cysts that don’t go away on their own
• Ectopic pregnancy: To remove a pregnancy that’s implanted outside your uterus

The minimally invasive procedure also is used for tubal sterilization and a hysterectomy.

What happens during laparoscopy?

You’ll change into a surgical gown and be given anesthesia. Your Ob-Gyn makes a small incision near your belly button and inserts the laparoscope through this incision, all while under anesthesia. Next, your abdomen is filled with a harmless gas to provide your Ob-Gyn a better view of your organs with the laparoscope camera.

Depending on the type of health condition, your Ob-Gyn may make other tiny incisions to insert surgical instruments, or a device called a uterine manipulator, into your abdomen. The uterine manipulator is used to move your pelvic organs into view.

What happens after laparoscopy?

Typically, you can go home the same day. However, following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

You may feel some discomfort for a few days after your procedure. You’ll need to take it easy for a day or two. Your Ob-Gyn will let you know when you can resume your normal activities. For more involved procedures, such as hysterectomy, you may need to take it easy for several days and avoid strenuous activities and exercise.

If you’ve been told you need open surgery, and are interested in exploring a minimally invasive alternative like laparoscopy, call today or book a consultation online with Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates.