| Basic Information |
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| Definition |
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A procedure that allows visual examination and some treatments of
the pelvic and abdominal organs. The procedure is performed with a
laparoscope, a small lighted telescope.
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| Reasons For Procedure |
- Evaluation and treatment of infertility in women.
- Evaluation of known or suspected endometriosis.
- Complications from pelvic disease.
- Masses or cysts in the pelvis.
- Undiagnosed pelvic pain.
- Fibroid tumors of the uterus.
- Voluntary sterilization.
- For diagnosis and treatment of a variety of abdominal disorders.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Heart or lung disease.
- Advanced pregnancy.
- Previous abdominal surgery, especially hernias.
- Previous bowel surgery.
- Use of drugs, such as antihypertensives; antiarrhythmics; diuretics;
or beta-adrenergic blockers.
- Use of mind-altering drugs.
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| Description of Procedure |
- It is performed in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital
- General anesthetic is administered by injection and inhalation
with an airway tube placed in the windpipe (a local anesthetic is
used sometimes).
- It is often necessary to place an instrument (tenaculum) on the
cervix in order to help move the uterus around.
- A small incision is made in or below the patient's navel. A needle
is inserted to inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide.
- The operating table is tilted to allow the bowel and carbon dioxide
to float up toward the chest. The laparoscope is used to examine
the abdomen visually.
- The laparoscope is used to perform surgeries, if necessary-gallbladder
removal, diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy, tubal ligation,
aspiration and excision of ovarian cyst, and multiple other gynecological
procedures.
- The laparoscope is removed, and the carbon dioxide is allowed
to escape from the abdomen.
- Small sutures under the skin and an adhesive bandage are used
to close the wound. In some cases, a long-acting local anesthetic
can be injected into the wound for pain relief.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Expect full recovery without complications. You may experience slight
discomfort for 24 to 48 hours. You may have aches in your shoulders
and chest from the carbon dioxide that was used to inflate your abdomen.
No treatment is necessary. Allow 6 days for full recovery from surgery.
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| Possible Complications |
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Perforation of the intra-abdominal organs (bowel, bladder or liver)
and intra-abdominal blood vessels.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Change the adhesive bandage daily.
- Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with
mild soap.
- If the procedure was for sterilization and you were taking birth
control pills, finish your present package; then you no longer need
birth-control methods. Use sanitary pad (not tampons) to stop slight
vaginal bleeding, which may occur after surgery.
- Sit in a warm tub of water for l0 to 15 minutes at a time to
relieve discomfort.
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| Medication |
- Prescription pain medication should generally only be required
for 2 to 7 days following the procedure.
- You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for
minor pain.
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| Activity |
- To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities,
including work, as soon as you are able.
- Resume driving 24 hours after recovery from surgery.
- Sexual relations may be resumed in 2 or 3 days after recovery
from surgery.
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| Diet |
- Avoid carbonated beverages for 48 hours after surgery.
- No special diet.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
Any of the following occurs:
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness
or a general ill feeling and fever.
- You have excessive bleeding or discharge from either the surgical
area or the vagina.
- You experience abdominal swelling or pain.
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