What it is
This is a minimally interventional surgical procedure enabling doctors to get information on the reproductive system’s condition and functionality.
It is performed under general anaesthesia and allows a thorough investigation of internal female genitalia (uterine, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) and other abdominal organs in the human body (intestine, liver, gallbladder, bladder, ureters, septum etc).
Therefore, it has been established as the “diagnostic standard” in cases escaping diagnosis using routine methods such as sonogram or hysterosalpingogram.
When to perform it
In cases of infertility to detect any relevant diseases. The size and morphology of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, the patency of fallopian tubes, any endometriosis or adhesions are tested.
Procedure
A special organ, the laparoscope, is used in laparoscopy. This is a small (3-11mm thick) telescope resembling a long and thin tube (trocar) inserted in the pelvic cavity through a very small incision right below the navel.
The image recorded by a special high-definition camera is transmitted to a video screen in the operating room allowing the surgeon and the operating room staff to visualize the abdomen and pelvic cavity.
Laparoscopy is performed under general endotracheal anaesthesia (to relax body muscles), at least 2 small incisions are made on the abdomen, one just below the navel and 2 or 3 over the pubic symphysis.
Thus, a smaller injury and less bleeding are achieved, whereas post-surgery adhesions are rarely the case.
After the procedure, the patient may leave the hospital at the treating doctor’s discretion or remain for 1-2 days.
Laparoscopy is extremely safe and recovery is speedy.
