What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a type of diagnostic surgical procedure that your healthcare provider can use to look inside your body at your abdominal and reproductive organs. This procedure can also be used to collect samples of tissue (biopsies) for testing. A laparoscope — a thin tube similar to a telescope — is passed through a small incision (cut) in your abdomen. Using the laparoscope, your provider can look directly at the outside of your:
Uterus.
Ovaries.
Fallopian tubes.
Liver.
Pancreas.
Gallbladder.
Spleen.
Stomach.


Your provider might use laparoscopy to:

Find the cause of pain in the pelvic and abdominal regions.
Examine a tissue mass.
Confirm endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Look for blockage of the fallopian tubes or for other causes of infertility
How is a laparoscopy performed?
A laparoscopy is done while you’re lying down in a slightly tilted position, with your head lower than your feet. You’ll be given a general anesthetic to relax your muscles and prevent pain during surgery.

Next, a small incision is made near the navel. The laparoscope is inserted through this incision. Your abdomen is inflated to make the organs easier to view. The laparoscope might also be equipped with surgical devices for taking tissue samples or removing scar tissue.

Your provider might also make a second incision at the pubic hairline. This incision provides an additional opening for instruments needed for completing minor surgical procedures.

After surgery, you’ll usually stay in a recovery room for about one hour. Then you will be taken to an outpatient surgery unit for continued observation.

You will be discharged after you receive instructions for your home recovery. In most cases, you can leave the hospital about four hours after laparoscopy. It’s rare that a patient will need to stay in the hospital overnight after this procedure.


While you’re recovering at home after your laparoscopy, it’s good to keep a few things in mind. These tips include:

Don't drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after surgery.
You can bathe any time after surgery.
You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery. Steri-strips — which look like tape — can be removed two to three days after surgery.
You can typically return to work three days after surgery. If you need a doctor's letter excusing you from work, please request one at your pre-operative appointment.

Are there any uncomfortable feelings I might experience after a laparoscopy?
Just like with many surgeries, you might experience some discomfort after a laparoscopy. These discomforts can include:

Your abdomen might be swollen for several days after the surgery. You may take acetaminophen to relieve pain.
You might have a sore throat for a few days. Try using a throat lozenge.

You might have mild nausea. Try eating a light evening meal the day of surgery. Tea, soup, toast, gelatin or crackers might help relieve your nausea.
Gas in the abdomen might cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders and chest for 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Try taking a warm shower, using a heating pad or walking.


When to Call the Doctor
Persistent nausea and vomiting for more than 24 hours.
Temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours.
Redness, swelling, soreness, drainage or bleeding around your wound.
Shortness of breath or any trouble breathing.
After the first day of surgery: menstrual flow that is heavier than normal, heavy bleeding with clots or soaking a sanitary pad in less than two hours



When can I resume sexual activity after laparoscopy?
You can resume sexual activity one week after surgery. However, pregnancy can still happen during recovery. If you wish to prevent pregnancy, make sure to use a contraceptive.