Most laparoscopies are performed in a day surgical center. The procedure is performed with a slender instrument called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision made inside the navel (about 1/4” wide). Carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdominal-pelvic cavity so that visualization of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs is possible. The laparoscope has a small camera and light source on the end to allow the physician to see inside. Usually, a second instrument, such as a probe, is inserted through another small incision made just above the pubic bone. The probe helps the physician to gently move the pelvic organs for better visualization.

The surgery is generally completed in about one hour, and the instruments and laparoscope are removed. The carbon dioxide gas is allowed to escape, and the small incisions are sutured shut with a few small stitches. Patients awake from the general anesthesia, and are then monitored in the recovery room. They are discharged home on the same day.

Reasons for Laparoscopy 1. Diagnosis 2. Dysmenorrhea (painful menses) 3. Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) 4. Endometriosis treatment 5. Fimbrioplasty (repair of fallopian tubes) 6. Myomectomy (remove fibroids) 7. Neosalpingostomy (open fallopian tubes) 8. Ovarian cystectomy (remove cysts) 9. Ovarian drilling 10. Pelvic adhesions treatment 11. Pelvic pain 12. Removal of scar tissue 13. Salpingectomy (remove tubes) 14. Salpingostomy (open tubes) 15. Unexplained infertility

What is Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy can be helpful in the evaluation of infertility, recurrent miscarriage and abnormal uterine bleeding. Hysteroscopy is also used to examine the uterine cavity before women undergo in vitro fertilization. A slender instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and into the uterine cavity to look inside. Distending media is introduced into the cavity to allow visualization by the hysteroscope with a light source and camera.

The diagnostic hysteroscopy can be used to identify abnormalities in the uterus. Operative hysteroscopies are used to repair the uterine cavity so that it will provide a healthy environment for pregnancy.

Reasons for Hysteroscopy 1. Abnormal bleeding 2. Abnormal hysterosalpingogram 3. Abnormal sonogram 4. Abnormal sonohysterogram 5. Diagnosis 6. Removal of uterine septum 7. Removal of scar tissue (adhesions) 8. Myomectomy (remove fibroids) 9. Polypectomy (remove polyp) 10. Recurrent pregnancy loss 11. Removal of foreign body 12. Tubal cannulation (open blocked tube)

How Do I Schedule A Laparoscopy Or Hysteroscopy?

If you have not done so already, discuss the procedure with your doctor thoroughly. A short office visit, just before the surgery, may be necessary to complete a pre-operative evaluation and review the consent forms.