Gynaecological Laparoscopy is a procedure where a surgeon uses a laparoscope (High density camera) to see inside your abdomen (tummy) means reproductive organs like uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovary. Diagnostic laparoscopy is not painful, very safe and with improved effectiveness this procedure has become essential before we start fertility treatments
Normally laparoscopy is done under general anaesthesia to diagnose and treat the diseases of reproductive organs. It helps to find the cause of the symptoms like pain and bleeding. It also helps get reasons for infertility.
Why is Diagnostic Laparoscopy performed in Gynaecology?
- Chronic Pelvic pain: You could be having long term lower abdominal pain not getting relieved with routine medication. In such cases, Laparoscopy could diagnose mild to moderate endometriosis appearing as powder burn spots, tubal swelling ( hydrosalpinx ), pelvic infections especially chlamydia infection, Tuberculosis, Tubo – ovarian masses, Tubo – ovarian torsion, chronic ectopic etc.,
- Infertility workup
- To look at the feasibility of operative laparoscopy.
What Tests are necessary before Laparoscopy?
Ultrasound may be ordered as a non-invasive diagnostic test. This test is not painful, is very safe, and can improve the effectiveness of the diagnostic laparoscopy.
Routine blood test analysis, urinalysis, and possible chest X-ray or electrocardiogram may be needed before diagnostic laparoscopy. Your physician will decide which tests are necessary and will review the results of those tests, which have already been performed.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is usually performed either under general anaesthesia.
What preparation is required?
- After Dr. Chaithra M reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
- Most diagnostic laparoscopy procedures are performed as a day care; meaning you will go home the same day the procedure was performed.
- You should have nothing to eat or drink for a set time period before the procedure which will be determined by your surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- Standard blood, urine, or X-ray testing may be required before your operative procedure. This will depend on your age and medical conditions.
- It is acceptable to shower the night before or morning of the operation.
- Report to the hospital at the correct time, which is usually 2-3 hours earlier than your scheduled surgery.
- If you take medication on a daily basis, discuss this with Dr. Chaithra M prior to surgery as you may need to take some or all of the medication on the day of surgery with a sip of water. If you take aspirin, Vitamin E, blood thinners or arthritis medication, discuss this with us so they can be stopped at the proper time before your surgery.
You will most likely be sedated during the procedure and an arrangement to have someone drive you home afterward is mandatory. Sedatives will affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day. You should not drive or operate machinery until the next day.
What should I expect after the operation?
Following the operation, you will be transferred to the recovery room, where you will be monitored carefully until all the sedatives and anesthetics have worn off. Even though you may feel fully awake, the effects of any anesthetic may persist for several hours. Once you are able to walk and get out of bed unassisted, you may be discharged. Because the effects of anesthesia can linger for many hours, it is necessary to have someone accompany you to the office or hospital and drive you home after the procedure.
You can expect some soreness around any incision site; this is normal. Your pain should improve daily even though you may need to take a pain reliever. Dr. Chaithra M will instruct you on the use of pain relievers and may give you a prescription for pain medication.
Most patients are able to shower the day after surgery and begin all normal activities within a week. We can answer any specific restrictions that apply to you. You should call Dr. Chaithra M and schedule a follow-up appointment 7 days after your procedure.
Be sure to call us if you develop any of the following: