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Pelvic laparoscopy

Ovarian      cyst

Pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to view the interior of      the lower abdomen without major surgery. Small optical instruments can be      inserted through the abdominal wall to directly visualize the interior of      the abdomen. Some surgeries can be done using laparoscopic techniques.      Recovery from this type of surgery, unlike open surgery, often takes only a      day and the patient usually returns home the next morning. [ Alternative Names

Pelvic      laparoscopy  

band-aid surgery; celioscopy; peritoneoscopy

Definition

Surgical procedure to examine and treat abdominal and pelvic organs      through a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope) inserted into the      abdomen.

Description

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a      one-half inch incision is made in the skin below the navel (umbilicus). Air      is pumped into the abdomen to make the organs of the abdominal cavity more      easily visible. The laparoscope is inserted and the area can be viewed.      Instruments can be inserted through the scope to obtain tissue samples or to      perform certain surgical procedures. After the laparoscopy, the gas is      released and the incision is stitched.

Indications

Pelvic laparoscopy is used both for diagnosis and for treatment and      may be recommended for:

pelvic pain due to

uterine tissue found outside the uterus in the abdomen (endometriosis)         infections (pelvic          inflammatory disease) not responsive to drug therapy suspected twisting (torsion) of an ovary          ovarian cyst

Ovarian cyst

scar tissue (adhesions)            in pelvis

puncture through the uterus (uterine perforation) following       D&C        or by IUD evaluation of             infertility sterilization (tubal        ligation) evaluation of a pelvic mass (such as in a Fallopian tube or ovary)        that was confirmed previously by             abdominal ultrasound

Pelvic laparoscopy is not recommended for:

severe                 obesity existing severe pelvic adhesions from previous surgeries signs of abdominal infection

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

reactions to medications          problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

bleeding infection

Expectations After Surgery

Laparoscopies are growing more popular with physicians, especially        with the advent of more "high-tech" laparoscopes. This procedure can be        done on an outpatient basis, but an overnight stay may be necessary. The        operating time averages 1 hour.        Whether used as a diagnostic or as a therapeutic procedure, this procedure        may avoid major surgery at a minimal cost. Unless major problems are        uncovered during the procedure (such as             appendicitis, severe             bleeding, or certain cases of             ectopic pregnancy),             laparoscopy may be the only operation needed.

Convalescence

The gas pumped into the abdomen may cause             abdominal discomfort for 1 or 2 days after the procedure. However, you        should be back to normal activities in less than 2 days. Sexual activities        may resume as soon as             bleeding, if any, has stopped. Call your doctor if you have severe             abdominal pain, persistent       fever,        or       vaginal bleeding.  

The information provided herein should not be        used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed        physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all        medical conditions