Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Gynecologic laparoscopy allows a gynecologist to look inside the female pelvic area without the need to perform surgery. This less invasive option allows for exploration within the body and can therefore detect a number of health problems a patient may have, including fibroids and endometriosis. Gynecologic laparoscopy is not only used for exploration reasons, but it can also be used to perform a number of different surgeries, e.g., removing ovarian cysts, performing a hysterectomy, etc.

Reasons for Using Gynecologic Laparoscopy

There are many reasons this less invasive surgical method is commonly used by gynecologists, as it can be used for both diagnostic and treatment reasons.

For diagnostics:

• To explain why a patient is experiencing any discomfort and/or pain in their pelvic area
• To help understand why a patient is not able to get pregnant
• To understand more about why a patient is often diagnosed with pelvic infections
• To look for signs of fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian cysts
• To look for reproductive cancers
• To find out whether a pregnancy is ectopic

For treatment:

• To remove fibroids, ovarian cysts or the ovaries
• To perform a full hysterectomy
• To block the flow of blood to fibroids
• To reverse tubal ligation
• To address endometrial tissue ablation

Reasons for Using Gynecologic Laparoscopy

A gynecologic laparoscopy is a process used by many gynecologists because it is less invasive and therefore offers patients faster healing times. The fact that this is a less invasive process when compared to open surgery also means any patient who undergoes the laparoscopic process will also have a much smaller scar.

The Gynecologic Laparoscopy Procedure

The gynecologic laparoscopy procedure is typically performed using general anesthesia. A gynecologist will start the procedure by inserting a catheter into the bladder in order to collect urine. They will then use a needle to insert carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen in order to keep the abdominal wall and organs separated, which allows for easier access, as well as reducing the risk of damage. The next step requires them to make a small incision in the naval area so the laparoscope can be inserted into the body. Many pictures will be taken and are shown on a nearby screen, allowing the gynecologist to easily see the organs inside.

If the procedure is being performed for diagnostic reasons, then all the gynecologist will do is take a careful and thorough look, which gives them the information they need to give their patient a diagnosis. If the procedure is being performed for treatment reasons, then the gynecologist will make any additional necessary incisions, as well as use any necessary instruments that will allow them to perform the necessary procedure.

Side Effects Associated with Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Because a gynecologic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, there are fewer side effects associated with a laparoscopy when compared to general surgery. The side effects also tend to not last as long, another benefit that comes with choosing this less invasive surgical procedure. Some of the more common side effects include general discomfort and/or pain in the abdominal area, minor bleeding from the vagina, an overall feeling of tiredness, feeling sick to the stomach and shoulder pain.

The Recovery Process

As soon as the procedure is over, the patient will be carefully monitored until their anesthesia has completely worn off. It is necessary for the patient to urinate before they are able to go home, which can be the same day. It will simply depend on the type of process performed as to how long the recovery time will be, which can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It is completely normal for the naval area to feel tender, and patients can expect for there to be some amount of bruising, of which all tend to subside in a matter of days. It is a possibility for the carbon dioxide gas to cause the patient to experience overall achiness, as well as nausea, for up to 24 hours after the procedure has been performed.

Are You Currently Experiencing Pelvic Problems?

You may need to schedule a gynecologic laparoscopy with a gynecologist if you are currently experiencing any problems in your pelvic area. This minimally invasive procedure can help you understand why you are experiencing any type of discomfort and/or pain in your pelvic or lower abdominal area. The sooner it is performed, the better, as it is always ideal to treat any problems in its earliest stages because this allows for the highest chances of success.