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Pelvic laparoscopy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Pelvic laparoscopy
Pelvic laparoscopy
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Pelvic adhesions
Pelvic adhesions
Ovarian cyst
Ovarian cyst
Pelvic laparoscopy - series
Pelvic laparoscopy - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Celioscopy; Band-aid surgery; Pelviscopy

Definition    Return to top

Pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that examines and treats pelvic organs through a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen at the navel.

Description    Return to top

While you are deep asleep and pain-free under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a half-inch surgical cut in the skin below the navel. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen to help the doctor see the organs more easily.

The laparoscope, an instrument that looks like a small telescope on a flexible tube, is inserted so the doctor can view the area. Other instruments may be inserted through other small cuts in the lower abdomen to get tissue samples or do other procedures. After the laparoscopy, the carbon dioxide gas is released, and the surgeon closes the cuts with stitches.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Pelvic laparoscopy is used both for diagnosis and treatment. It may be recommended for:

Pelvic laparoscopy is not recommended for patients with:

Risks    Return to top

General anesthesia poses the risk of reactions to medications, including breathing problems. Risks for any surgery include:

After the Procedure    Return to top

Laparoscopic procedures are growing more popular with doctors, especially with the introduction of more high-tech laparoscopes.

Many of the procedures can be done the same day on an outpatient basis, but you may need to stay overnight. The average time of surgery is about an hour, but this depends on the procedure performed.

Whether used to diagnose or treat conditions, laparoscopy may prevent the need for a large surgical cut in the abdomen and a longer hospital stay. Laparoscopic surgery can be considered major surgery, depending on the procedure.

Unless major problems are uncovered during the procedure (such as severe bleeding or a tubal pregnancy), laparoscopy may be the only operation needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The gas pumped into the abdomen may cause abdominal discomfort for 1 - 2 days after the procedure. Some people feel neck and shoulder pain for several days after a laparoscopy as the carbon dioxide gas escapes through the skin.

You may resume your normal activities in fewer than 2 days. You can begin sexual activities again as soon as bleeding (if there is any) has stopped.

Call your doctor if you have:

References    Return to top

Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2007.

Update Date: 2/19/2008

Updated by: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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