Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a type of surgery that looks for problems in a woman’s abdomen or reproductive system. Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin tube called a laparoscope, which is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. An incision is a small cut made in the skin during surgery. The tube has a camera attached to it that sends images to a video monitor. This allows a surgeon to see inside the body without causing significant injury to the patient.

Laparoscopy is known as minimally invasive surgery. It allows the time a person has to spend in the hospital to be shorter, faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars than with traditional (open) surgery.

Alternative Names: Laparoscopy – diagnostic laparoscopy, laparoscopic surgery

You may need laparoscopy if:

• You have severe or chronic abdominal or pelvic pain.
• You feel a lump in your abdomen
• You have abdominal cancer. Laparoscopic surgery can remove some types of cancer.
• You are a woman with heavier than normal menstrual periods.
• Are a woman who wants surgical birth control.
• You are a woman who is having difficulty getting pregnant.
• Laparoscopy can be used to detect blockages in the fallopian tubes and problems that can affect fertility.