Sometimes, a physical exam alone cannot find the problems that can occur with a woman’s reproductive organs. When that is the case, issues can be discovered by laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. These two procedures provide a direct look at the pelvic organs providing a way to both diagnose and treat reproductive issues in women.
Diagnostic laparoscopy may be used to look at the outside of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and internal pelvic area. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to look inside the uterus. If an abnormal condition is detected during the diagnostic procedure, the need for a second surgery can be avoided by performing operative laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to correct it at the same time.
What are the benefits of laparoscopy ?
Laparoscopy can help your doctor diagnose and treat many problems including uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, adhesions, tubal disease, genital tuberculosis, and other abnormalities. Many infertility patients require laparoscopy for a complete evaluation after the basic infertility tests are performed without a clear diagnosis.
Before the advent of laparoscopic surgery, diagnosing and treating gynecological problems required major surgery which included many days of hospitalization, long recovery times, and greater risks. However, laparoscopy allows correction of these problems on an outpatient basis. The laparoscopy procedure decrease patient discomfort, significantly reduce recovery time, and has minimal risks.
How is laparoscopy performed?
After anesthesia, a needle is inserted through the navel, and the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas. As the gas enters the abdomen, it creates a space inside allowing a view of the reproductive organs. Next, a long thin telescope (laparoscope) is inserted through the navel. It is connected to a tiny camera which sends images to a television monitor. While looking at the monitor, the surgeon can see the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and nearby structures. A small probe is inserted through another incision in order to move the pelvic organs into clear view. If no abnormalities are noted, the incision is closed. If defects or abnormalities are discovered, your doctor can proceed to operative laparoscopy.
A variety of infertility disorders can be safely treated through the laparoscope during the same surgery. Using many different operating instruments, your physician can perform procedures including:
Adhesiolysis
Treatment of blocked tubes
Removal of cysts
Treatment of ovarian cysts
PCOD Drilling
Removal of diseased ovaries
Removal of uterine fibroids
Treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Permanent birth control
Hysterectomy
Related Blog Posts
Pros and Cons of a Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) Birth Control
Birth control is a personal choice for a woman. It can be challenging to choose the option that’s right for your body. The best thing to do is to research each option and discuss with your health care provider what is best for you. The most effective methods are the...
read morePermanent Birth Control: Is it for you?
You’ve decided that you would like to not have any more children so permanent birth control is an important option to discuss with your doctor. Over 60% of women of reproductive age are currently using contraception and about 10 million (27%) use female sterilization....
read moreWomen and Chronic Constipation: What Can Help?
You’ve been feeling a bit uncomfortable, bloated, and heavy. You're not "going" as often as you should, and you’re getting worried. Don't be embarrassed. Even though this is typically a private matter, you have plenty of company. Being a woman increases your risk of...
read more3 Reasons For Pelvic Pain
When it hurts “down there”, figuring out what’s wrong can be challenging. Millions of women suffer from pelvic pain, but the reasons can vary. Getting a correct diagnosis is never as simple as learning, say, you have the flu or high blood pressure. But, treatment has...
read moreFight Colon Cancer with Veggies
Your colon doesn’t get enough good press. You might know it by its other name, the large intestine. Here are the facts you should know to appreciate what this oddly-shaped, muscular tube does for you. First, it’s about four feet long and connects your small bowel to...
read moreHow to Choose Contraception
The recent comments by Pope Francis about family planning has revived conversations about birth control for those of the Catholic faith, as well as the general public. “How do I choose the right method for me?” is a common question for many women. In the last decade,...
read more2014 Interesting Developments in Obstetrics & Gynecology Part 2
Here is the second installment of interesting studies that effected OBGYN and women’s health in 2014. See our blog post for Dec. 8, 2014 to read part 1. Long-acting reversible contraception for adolescents - The etonogestrel implant and intrauterine device (IUD) is...
read moreHow to Choose a Birth Control Method
What factors should you consider when choosing a family planning or birth control method? This is an important question your OB/GYN can help you think through. How often you have sex, your health, and whether or not you want children all play a role in which form of...
read moreFor infertility evaluation laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are often performed simultaneously soon after a woman’s period when uterine conditions are more easily evaluated and there is no risk of interrupting a pregnancy.
Schedule an appointment with Creekside Center’s doctors to discuss your health.