Gynecologic Laparoscopy
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 your 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:
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Ovarian cyst removal |
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Tubal ligation, which is surgical contraception |
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Hysterectomy |
Laparoscopy generally has a shorter healing time than open surgery. It also leaves smaller scars. A gynecologist, general surgeon, or another type of specialist may perform this procedure.
Reasons for Gynecologic Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both. A diagnostic procedure can sometimes turn into treatment.
Some reasons for diagnostic laparoscopy are:
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Unexplained pelvic pain |
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Unexplained infertility |
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A history of pelvic infection |
Conditions that might be diagnosed using laparoscopy include:
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Endometriosis |
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Uterine fibroids |
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Ovarian cysts or tumors |
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Ectopic pregnancy |
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Pelvic abscess, or pus |
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Pelvic adhesions, or painful scar tissue |
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Infertility |
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Pelvic inflammatory disease |
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Reproductive cancers |
Some types of laparoscopic treatment include:
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Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus |
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Removal of the ovaries |
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Removal of ovarian cysts |
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Removal of fibroids |
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Blocking blood flow to fibroids |
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Endometrial tissue ablation, which is a treatment for endometriosis |
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Adhesion removal |
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Reversal of a contraceptive surgery called tubal ligation |
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Burch procedure for incontinence |
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Vault suspension to treat a prolapsed uterus |
