Pelvic laparoscopy is a procedure used to examine and treat pelvic and reproductive conditions. Doctors use a special instrument called a laparoscope during this procedure. The laparoscope is a surgical telescope that has a camera and light attached to one end. With the help of pelvic laparoscopy, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, ovarian cysts, infertility, and other such problems are treated.
A pelvic laparoscopy procedure is quite simple. The doctor first makes small incisions on the abdomen. He/she then inserts the laparoscope into the patient’s abdomen and views the area. Carbon dioxide gas pumped into the patient’s abdomen makes it easier for the doctor to see the stomach or pelvic area easily. The doctor may also insert other instruments through some additional incisions to get tissue samples or to conduct some other procedure if needed. Once the pelvic laparoscopy procedure is done, the gas pumped into the stomach is released and the cuts are closed with the help of stitches.
Pelvic laparoscopy recovery is quite quick for most patients. In some cases patients experience some pain in the chest or shoulders as a result of the laparoscopy. This pain is the result of the carbon dioxide gas pumped into the abdominal cavity. In case of pain your doctor might give you some prescription pain killers. You can resume your normal activities in a couple of days. Sexual activities can be resumed once the bleeding (if any) stops. It is important that you inform your doctor if there is vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and continual fever.
Certain women are at an increased risk of complications in case of any surgical procedures. Women who are overweight, smoke, or have cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases are more prone to pelvic laparoscopy complications. It is, therefore, best that they discuss their surgical risks with their surgeon. In rare cases, perforation of the liver or bowel is a possible complication that could occur during pelvic laparoscopy.
Laparoscopic procedures are increasingly gaining popularity with many doctors and patients. This is because most of these procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, but one may have to stay at the clinic overnight. The time taken for a pelvic laparoscopy could be anything from 20 minutes to two hours depending on the amount of work required. Laparoscopy prevents the need for larger surgical cuts as compared to conventional surgery and the resultant pelvic laparoscopy scars are minimal. The cost of pelvic laparoscopy generally depends on the doctor. Costs also vary depending on whether it is a simple diagnostic test or used for treating any condition.