Laparoscopy

What is a laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a procedure used to examine the organs of the abdominal and pelvic cavities and treat conditions using minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopy uses a laparoscope, a thin tube containing a video camera. The laparoscope is placed through a small incision in the abdomen and produces images that can be seen on a computer screen. Several small tubes are placed in the abdomen. Different instruments are placed through these tubes in order to perform surgical procedures.

The advantage of laparoscopy is that it allows a direct view of the abdominal organs and structures without the need for major surgery. Laparoscopy also allows surgical procedures to be performed using small incisions.

What are the reasons for the procedure?
Gynecologic laparoscopy may be used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and other conditions. Many surgical procedures that required major surgery in the past can be done through laparoscopy now.

There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a laparoscopy.

Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopic Surgery (pdf) 
Expectations After Laparoscopy (pdf)