This is an investigation where a thin telescopic instrument is inserted through a small incision in the umbilicus (belly button) to examine the internal organs of the pelvis. A second incision is often required in the pubic hair line to allow manipulation of the pelvic structures. The organs are separated by introducing gas (carbon dioxide) via the laparoscope. Most of the gas is removed at the end of the procedure, and any remaining is absorbed harmlessly by the body. harmlessly by the body.
What you have to do
Admission to hospital for day surgery is necessary. General anaesthesia is needed to allow complete relaxation of the abdomen. You will have to take 2 or 3 days off work to ensure time to fully recover.
Benefits & Advantages
It allows a thorough inspection of the pelvic structures and is easily the best way to assess the reproductive organs for structural diseases that affect fertility. Laparosocopic assessment can be used to diagnose (and sometimes treat):-
- tubal disease
- endometriosis
- adhesions
- ovarian cysts
- fibroids
- structural abnormalities of the uterus
Side effects & Complications
Pain around the incisions, under the rib cage and in the shoulder tips is common and may last for a couple of days and occasionally up to a week. Local anaesthetic and a pain relief will be given during the operation. Serious complications are rare (approximately 1/500 if you have not had prior pelvic surgery) but damage to internal organs such as bowel, bladder, blood vessels can require an immediate open operation to fix the problem. Occasionally, after this operation, your next period may be both heavy and painful.