Laparoscopy is a special procedure that allows your doctor to look directly at your female reproductive organs to diagnose and possibly treat problems that may not be detected on physical exam, x-rays, or with other tests. With this new technique, many procedures can be performed through tiny incisions that previously could only be done with major open surgery. In most cases, you can go home the same day.

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Laparoscopy uses a long, thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope. This laparoscope is inserted into your abdomen through a small incision in your lower abdomen. There is a light source and video camera attached to the end of the laparoscope, so your doctor can see your pelvic organs. A small amount of carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate your abdomen so the inside can be seen more clearly. Sometimes one to three more tiny incisions may be made along your pubic hairline in order to insert other small surgical instruments. After the procedure, the gas is released, the instruments are removed, and the incisions closed.

Laparoscopy has many uses. For women with pelvic pain, the laparoscope can often diagnose the cause of pain. Adhesions are a common cause of pelvic pain. Adhesions are scar tissue that can bind and distort the position of your pelvic organs, causing pain. Scar tissue can form as a result of prior infections, prior abdominal surgery, or endometriosis. With laparoscopy, this scar tissue can be removed or cut apart.

Endometriosis is another common cause of pelvic pain and sometimes infertility. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining your uterus is found outside the uterus. This infertility can also be identified using laparoscopy. Your doctor can inject a dye into the fallopian tubes to see if they are open or blocked.

Cysts or tumors in your uterus or ovaries can be evaluated during laparoscopy. In most cases, even fairly large cysts can be removed through the laparoscope, avoiding the need for major open surgery. Ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, can also be removed using the laparoscope. For women who desire permanent sterilization, laparoscopy can be used to perform tubal ligations.

As you can see, laparoscopy is a versatile and valuable new technique. Fortunately, it is also a safe procedure. Risks of laparoscopy include side effects due to the anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and injury to internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Rarely, abdominal surgery may be needed to correct these complications. In a few cases, procedures cannot be safely completed with laparoscopy, in which case abdominal surgery may also be needed.

Laparoscopy is performed in an operating room. You will receive general anesthesia so that you will sleep throughout the procedure. It is important that you do not eat anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure. This includes no liquids or hard candies. If you take any medications on a regular basis, your doctor will tell you which medicines you may take before surgery. After surgery, you will be able to go home the same day, accompanied by a responsible adult. Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital is needed.

Once at home, you may feel temporarily drowsy or nauseous from the anesthesia. It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding for 1-2 weeks, like a light period. Please use sanitary pads, and not tampons, to avoid infection. You may have some incisional pain, which should be relieved by the pain medicine your doctor will prescribe you. You may also have some mild shoulder pain, which is caused by the carbon dioxide gas. This will improve if you lie down, apply heat, and take some pain medicine. The bandages on your incisions may be removed 2 days after surgery. Underneath the bandages, you will notice paper tapes on the incisions. These may be removed 1 week after surgery. You can shower at home the day after surgery. After resting a few days at home, you will probably feel well enough to resume your normal activities. It is recommended that you avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sexual intercourse for about 1 week after surgery.

You will have an appointment to see your doctor 2-3 weeks after surgery. It is important to call your doctor earlier if you have severe or increasing pain, fever over 101 degrees, persistent nausea and vomiting, redness or swelling around your incision, or persistent and heavy vaginal bleeding.

Risk of Laparoscopy:

Frequent: Nausea and dizziness from the anesthesia, shoulder pain for 1-2 days, a sore throat, abdominal cramping for 1-2 days, vaginal bleeding.

If your surgery scheduler has not called you with a date and time of surgery within one week, please give the office a call and leave Eleanor a message at (415) 563-9000. Irene Lin or Cynthia Hom, our practice Advise Nurses will be available to answer your questions at (415) 753-2929, during regular office hours and assist you in preparing and recovering from your procedure. Drs. Shu, Chun, and Chu share on-call services 24 hours a day on a rotating basis to be available for any concerns and to care for any medical needs. We expect your medical condition to improve each day. If your recovery does not get better as the hours pass or there are any set backs; your doctors want to be informed since we expect you to feel better and better with time.