Gynecologic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that enables a doctor to examine the pelvic area using a laparoscope, which is a small camera that is inserted through a small incision in the pelvis or stomach. It is a non-invasive method that is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Laparoscopy is commonly used to diagnose various conditions, including:
- Endometriosis, which is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause pain, heavy periods, and infertility.
- Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder.
- Ovarian cysts or tumors can be benign or malignant and can cause pain, bloating, and irregular periods.
- Ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Pelvic abscesses are collections of pus in the pelvis that can cause fever, pain, and discharge.
- Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause organs to stick together, leading to pain and infertility.
- Infertility can be caused by various factors that may be diagnosed using laparoscopy.
- Reproductive cancers such as ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers can also be diagnosed using laparoscopy.
During laparoscopy, the doctor can visualize the pelvic area in real-time and take biopsies or tissue samples if needed. Laparoscopy is also sometimes used as a form of treatment to remove small tumors or cysts, or to perform procedures such as tubal ligation, which is a form of permanent birth control.
Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopy is less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications. Laparoscopy is generally considered to be safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of laparoscopy with you before the procedure.