Pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that examines and treats pelvic organs through a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen at the navel.

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free under general anesthesia, a one-half-inch incision is made in the skin below the navel (umbilicus). Carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdomen to make the organs of the abdominal cavity more easily visible.

The laparoscope, an instrument similar to a small telescope on a flexible tube, is inserted so the area can be viewed. Other instruments may be inserted through other incisions in the lower abdomen to obtain tissue samples or perform additional procedures. After the laparoscopy, the carbon dioxide gas is released, and the incisions are stitched.

Pelvic laparoscopy is used both for diagnosis and for treatment and may be recommended for:

• Pelvic pain due to:
  • Uterine tissue found outside the uterus in the abdomen (endometriosis)
  • Infections (pelvic inflammatory disease) not responsive to drug therapy
  • Suspected twisting (torsion) of an ovary
  • Ovarian cyst
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) in pelvis
• Perforation (puncture) of the uterus following D and C or by an IUD
• Evaluation of infertility
• Sterilization (tubal ligation)
• Evaluation and removal of an abnormal pelvic mass that was confirmed by abdominal ultrasound
• Removal of uterine fibroids (myomectomy)
• Removal of uterus (hysterectomy)
• Surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy
• Evaluation of a woman who may have appendicitis or salpingitis

Pelvic laparoscopy is not recommended for patients with:

• Severe obesity
• Existing severe pelvic adhesions from previous surgeries

General anesthesia poses the risk of reactions to medications, including breathing problems. Risks for any surgery include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs and tissues.