Need for Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy can be performed for diagnosing and treating conditions or for both reasons.

Diagnostic laparoscopy is carried out to detect:

• History of pelvic infection
• Unexplained infertility
• Unexplained pelvic pain
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts or tumors
• Infertility
• Pelvic abscess or pus
• Pelvic adhesions or painful scar tissue
• Reproductive cancers
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Laparoscopic treatment can treat conditions such as:

• Ovarian cysts
• Removal of ovaries
• Removal of uterus (Hysterectomy)
• Removal of fibroids
• Removal of adhesion
• Blocking blood flow to fibroids
• Endometrial tissue ablation
• Burch procedure for stress urinary incontinence
• Reversal of contraceptive surgery (Tubal Ligation)
• Vault suspension to treat a prolapsed uterus

Preparing for Gynecologic Laparoscopy

The doctor may suggest imaging tests. Talk to your doctor about your medicines, as you may need to stop them. Ask your friend or relative to pick you up after the procedure as you won't be able to drive.

Procedure

The anesthetist will administer general anesthesia. Once put to sleep, a small catheter is inserted into the urethra to collect urine. A small needle is used to fill carbon dioxide into the abdomen; this reduces the risk of injury.

A small cut is made under the navel through which the laparoscope is inserted; this transmits images to the screen, giving the doctor a clear view of the organs.

For diagnostic laparoscopy, the surgeon may look into the interiors of organs through the camera and stitch the incisions. While for procedural laparoscopy, a few more incisions are made through which surgical instruments are inserted. After the surgery, the surgical instruments are removed, carbon dioxide is released, and incisions are bandaged.

Advances in laparoscopic surgery have paved the way for robotic surgery, where the surgeon guides a robotic arm to operate over the area. Micro-laparoscopy is a procedure in which the surgeon makes two to three incisions measuring 3mm on the tummy.

Recovery after Laparoscopy

The nurses monitor the vital signs and will be in the recovery room until the person can urinate on their own. Difficulty in urinating can be a side effect of the catheter.

Recovery time varies from person to person. While some can go home a few hours after the operation, some would have to stay overnight or for a few more nights. It can take a month to return to the daily activities.

Rush to the doctor if you have the following complications:

• Pus or bleeding from the incision site
• Fever of 101⁰F
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Pain during bowel and bladder movements

Risks of Laparoscopy

Skin irritation and bladder infection are common side effects of gynecological laparoscopy.

Serious complications include:

• Adhesions
• Blood clots
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to abdominal blood vessels, bowel, bladder, uterus and pelvic structures
• Damage to nerve
• Issues with urinating

Conditions that increase complication risk are:

• Obesity
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Being lean
• Severe endometriosis
• Chronic bowel disease
• Pelvic infection

Carbon dioxide gas can pose complications if it enters a blood vessel.

If you have severe abdominal pain or any symptoms that affect your daily activities, contact the expert gynecologist at Matrix Hospital.