Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a camera and light attached to a pencil-thin telescope called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a very small incision just below the navel. The image that the camera records is transmitted to a video screen in the operating room allowing the surgeon and the OR staff to visualize the abdomen and pelvic cavity. This allows careful examination of the reproductive organs such as the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as other abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, bowel, bladder, ureters, and diaphragm. Indications for diagnostic laparoscopy include chronic pelvic pain and infertility. All of the organs are examined and the fallopian tubes can be filled with dye to check for any blockages. If any abnormalities are found, they are treated accordingly based on the preoperative plan developed with the patient, which may be operative laparoscopy.