Women’s Health Care Resources

Laparoscopy allows us to perform minimally invasive procedures without making a large incision. Sometimes referred to as “minimally invasive surgery”, laparoscopic surgery only requires a few small incisions.

Through these incisions, a thin video laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen which allows us to see your pelvic organs. Laparoscopic surgery is used in gynecology for the evaluation of endometriosis, pelvic pain, fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility as well as permanent sterilization.

Because laparoscopy is less invasive, it has many benefits over open abdominal surgery especially because you usually can go home within a few hours and get back to your normal activities.

What To Expect During Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

Laparoscopy is a brief outpatient procedure done in the hospital setting under general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery usually involves 2-3 small incisions in your abdomen where the laparoscope and other instruments can be inserted. Your abdomen is then filled with gas (carbon dioxide) to expand the abdomen and allow for safe insertion and visualization. The camera on the laparoscope allows for video imaging to be displayed on a screen so we can visualize all the pelvic organs.

After the procedure, the gas is released, the instruments removed, and incisions are closed with sutures, leaving small scars that fade with time.

Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery

You will be moved to the recovery room after surgery to allow the effects of anesthesia to wear off. You need to have someone drive you home. After surgery, you may notice fatigue and nausea from the anesthesia. You may have some throat soreness from the anesthesia. Soreness and mild discomfort around the incision sites is also to be expected.

Please call our office right away if you experience fever, severe pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, redness/drainage from the incision sites, or the inability to empty your bladder.