Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery. It is a surgical procedure in which small incisions (approximately 0.5 to 1 cm) are made in order to place a telescopic camera system into the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to visualize your reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).
Diagnosis and Surgery:
Certain patients with fertility problems may benefit from a diagnostic and/or operative laparoscopy. At the time of your surgery, we will see if your fallopian tubes are open. In addition, laparoscopy will evaluate the relationship between your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Any adhesions or endometriosis will be removed at the time of surgery.
Ectopic Pregnancy:
An ectopic pregnancy is located in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It can cause abdominal pain and bleeding. Laparoscopy is utilized to diagnose and treat ectopic pregnancies.
Advantages or Laparoscopy:
The advantages to laparoscopy over an open abdomen procedure include:
- Decreased blood loss.
- Small abdominal incisions.
- Shorter surgical recovery time.
- Less pain.
Procedure of operative laparoscopy:
General anesthesia is used. Small incisions are made on the abdomen. Gas is placed into the abdomen. The laparoscope is put through the incision. This allows your surgeon to view your reproductive organs. The laparoscope produces images on a television screen.
Microsurgical instruments are placed through the abdominal incisions. These will allow your physician to cut adhesions or remove endometriosis.
After your procedure, the incisions are closed and you will go home the same day.
Most Common Problems After Surgery:
- Nausea.
- Pain around incision sites.
- Hoarse throat as a breathing tube is placed during anesthesia.
- Abdominal pain.
- Tenderness.
- Shoulder pain.
If you have any of these symptoms, alert you nurse or physician.
