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Laparoscopy How the Test is Performed:
The test is usually done in the hospital under general anesthesia, however it may be done under local anesthesia. A catheter (a small flexible tube) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The skin of the abdomen is cleansed, and a small incision is made just below the navel to allow the insertion of the laparoscope (instrument used to look inside the cavity). A needle is inserted into the incision and carbon dioxide gas is injected to enlarge the cavity area and elevate the abdominal wall. This allows for easier viewing and manipulation of the organs. The laparoscope is inserted, and the pelvis and abdomen area are examined. On occasion another incision is made for abdominal forceps. These are used to lift the tubes and ovaries for further examination. A dye may be injected through the cervical canal to make the Fallopian tubes easier to view. Following the examination, minor surgical procedures may be done (such as an ovarian biopsy , or a liver biopsy ). The laparoscope is then removed, the incision is closed with sutures, and bandages are applied.
How to Prepare:
You cannot have any food or fluid for 8 hours before the test.
You must sign a consent form.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How it Feels:
Under general anesthesia, no pain will be felt during the procedure, however the incision site may throb and be slightly painful afterward. A pain reliever may be given by your physician.
With local anesthesia, you may feel a prick and a burning sensation when the local anesthetic is given. Pain may occur at the incision site. The laparoscope may cause pressure, but there should be no pain during the procedure. Afterward, the incision site may throb for several hours and be slightly painful. A pain reliever may be given by your physician
Risks:
There is a risk of puncturing an organ which could cause bleeding into the abdominal cavity. Puncturing the intestine may allow seepage of intestinal contents into the cavity. There is also some risk of infection; however, antibiotics are usually given as a precaution.
Why this Test is Performed:
The examination helps identify the cause of pain in the pelvic area. It may detect endometriosis (tissues normally found in the uterus growing in other areas), an ectopic pregnancy (in which the fertilized egg develops outside of the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease (an inflammation in the pelvic cavity), cancer , or other problems. The procedure is also used to obtain biopsies of the liver and ovaries, as well as to remove some small ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors.
Normal Values:
The uterus; Fallopian tubes; and ovaries are of normal size, shape and color, and the liver is normal.
Abnormal Results:
The procedure may detect ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors (abnormal growth or sac containing a fluid, gas, or semisolid material), an abnormal union of body surfaces, endometriosis , uterine fibroids (a noncancerous tumor ), tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease , cirrhosis (hardening of an organ, usually the liver), and an accumulation of fluid in the cavity.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Cost:
The estimated cost is $3,500.
Special Considerations:
Not applicable.
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.
This is an illustration of the female reproductive system. Both internal and external views are shown here.
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