Health Topics for Tests and Exams

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Cellular Immunology Diagnostic Lab

Laparoscopy

In laparoscopy, physicians see abdominal organs through a small scope. It requires only a small incision to insert the laparoscope. This tool is a thin fiber-optic device that transmits light and a video image. A common use is to examine female reproductive organs.

Reasons for a laparoscopy include identifying:

• pain in the pelvic area

• causes of infertility

• endometriosis

• abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries

• ectopic pregnancy (which is an embryo lodged in a fallopian tube)

• pelvic inflammatory disease and

• cancer

The procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The person receives either local or general anesthesia. The physician makes a small puncture at or near the navel. The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide to increase visibility and working space before the laparoscope is inserted. If needed, a second puncture is made for other tools. The vagina may be accessed at the same time to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. For example, a dye may be injected into the uterus to check for a punctured fallopian tube. A leak in the uterus would be seen by the laparoscope. When finished, the physician draws the gas back out. The puncture site requires only one or two stitches.

Laparoscopy can include treatments as well. The physician can take a biopsy, cut abnormal tissues, or remove patches of endometriosis. A common elective procedure is tubal ligation. This makes women sterile by cutting and sealing the fallopian tubes.

Most people are able to go home the same day that they have the procedure. They must avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 7 days. It is normal for the patient to have some pain at the puncture site and in the shoulder. The pain should resolve within a day or two. A mild pain reliever, such as Tylenol, is helpful.

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