Gynecologic laparoscopy is an alternative to open surgery. It uses a laparoscope to look inside your pelvic area. Open surgery often requires a large incision.
A laparoscope is a slender, lighted telescope. It allows a doctor to see inside your body. Diagnostic laparoscopy can determine whether you have conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. It can also be a form of treatment. With miniaturized instruments, your doctor can perform a variety of surgeries. These include:
- ovarian cyst removal
- tubal ligation (surgical contraception)
- hysterectomy (TLH, LAVH)
- Endometriosis
- unexplained pelvic pain
- unexplained infertility
- history of pelvic infection
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- ovarian cysts or tumors
- ectopic pregnancy
- pelvic abscess (pus)
- pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
- infertility
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- reproductive cancers
- hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) (TLH, LAVH)
- removal of the ovaries
- removal of ovarian cysts
- removal of fibroids (Myomectomy)
- blocking blood flow to fibroids
- endometrial tissue ablation (endometriosis treatment)
- adhesion removal
- reversal of tubal ligation (contraceptive surgery)
- burch procedure for incontinence
- vault suspension to treat prolapse
Laparoscopy generally has a shorter healing time than open surgery. It also leaves smaller scars. A gynecologist, general surgeon, or other specialist may perform this procedure. |
Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both. A diagnostic procedure can turn into treatment.
Some reasons for diagnostic laparoscopy are:
- unexplained pelvic pain
- unexplained infertility
- history of pelvic infection
Conditions that might be diagnosed include:
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- ovarian cysts or tumors
- ectopic pregnancy
- pelvic abscess (pus)
- pelvic adhesions (painful scar tissue)
- infertility
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- reproductive cancers
Some types of laparoscopic treatment include:
- hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- removal of the ovaries
- removal of ovarian cysts
- removal of fibroids
- blocking blood flow to fibroids
- endometrial tissue ablation (endometriosis treatment)
- adhesion removal
- reversal of tubal ligation (contraceptive surgery)
- burch procedure for incontinence
- vault suspension to treat prolapse
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