What is a Pelvic Laparoscopy?

Pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure commonly used for diagnosing and treating pelvic conditions. The technique is typically performed using a laparoscope, which is a thin, rod-shaped fiber-optic device that contains a small video camera and light. The camera of the laparoscope transmits to a video monitor in the operating room. Pelvic laparoscopy is frequently used to evaluate the source of chronic pelvic pain, perform biopsies for examination, and assess fertility problems.

Usually performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon creates a small incision in the patient's belly button, or navel, during this operation. Sometimes additional, very small incisions are also made in the lower abdomen. Carbon dioxide is then introduced into the abdominal cavity to expand the space between the internal organs and abdominal wall.

Various surgical instruments can be inserted into the laparoscope, depending on the type of surgery performed. Once the procedure is complete, the carbon dioxide gas is removed from the belly, as are the instruments, and the tiny incisions are sutured. Pelvic laparoscopy is commonly referred to as the Band-Aid® surgery, because of the small size of the incisions.

Conditions that cause in the pelvis, such as endometriosis, are often diagnosed during pelvic laparoscopy. Scar tissue, or adhesions, along with endometrial implants in the pelvic region can be cauterized during this procedure. During it, a surgeon is also able to view other areas in the abdominal cavity, such as the bladder, colon, and appendix.

Routine procedures — such as tubal ligations, biopsies, and appendectomies — are also frequently performed using pelvic laparoscopy. Recovery time in these situations is significantly less than that of other procedures that include traditional abdominal incisions. In many cases, the patient can go home the same day the procedure is performed. Once the incision site heals, scaring is minimal or virtually non-existent.

A common complaints of patients recovering from pelvic laparoscopy is pain in the neck and shoulders. This is caused by the carbon dioxide gas that was inserted into the abdomen. It usually subsides within a day or two. Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days following the surgery.

Occasionally during pelvic laparoscopy, the surgeon must make an abdominal incision. This usually happens only when he discovers something that cannot be corrected through the laparoscope, such as a tubal pregnancy or excessive bleeding. In such an instance, the surgeon is able to immediately perform the necessary procedures without further preparation of the patient, since he or she is already under general anesthesia.