Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure or keyhole procedure is a modern surgical technique in which operations are performed far from their locations through small incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm) elsewhere in the body. It is used to find and treat problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids and endometriosis. Tissue samples can be taken for biopsy through the tube (laparoscope).
Benefits of Laparoscopy
- To diagnose tubal factor infertility especially when used with a dye test
- To remove adhesion bands around the tubes and/or ovaries
- To remove or burn-off endometriotic deposits anywhere found, tubes, ovaries, cul-de-sac, e.t.c, wherever possible
- Sometimes to treat anovulation due to a polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) by drilling holes in the ovaries
- Sometimes to remove fibroids
- Quicker recovery and better satisfaction
The Procedure
The procedure is usually done in the hospital or outpatient surgical centre under general anesthesia (while you are asleep and pain-free). However, very rarely, this procedure may also be done using local anesthesia. This numbs only the area affected by the surgery and allows you to stay awake/ a surgeon makes a small cut below the belly button (navel) and inserts a needle into the area. Carbon dioxide gas is passed into the abdomen to expand the area. This gives the surgeon more room to work and helps the surgeon see the organs more clearly. A tube is placed through the cut in the abdomen. A tiny video camera (laparoscope) goes through this tube and is used to see the inside of the pelvis and abdomen. More small cuts may be made if other instruments are needed to get a better view of certain organs and carry out operations.
If you are having gynecologic laparoscopy, dye may be injected into your cervix area so the surgeon can better see the fallopian tubes and assess their potency (if blocked or not). After the examination, the gas, instruments and laparoscope are removed and the cuts are closed. You will have bandage over those areas.
