Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a way of doing surgery using small incisions (cuts) on the abdomen, and placing a camera usually in the belly button for the surgeon to see the abdominal and pelvic cavities. It is used very frequently in the gynecological field for either diagnostic or operative indications. Some of the most common scenarios in which a doctor would use laparoscopy are the evaluation of pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cyst, and hysterectomy. Nowadays, most gynecological procedures are performed via laparoscopy. Laparoscopy has many benefits. There is less pain after laparoscopic surgery than with open abdominal surgery, which involves larger incisions, longer hospital stays, and a longer recovery. The risk of infection also is lower. You will be able to recover from laparoscopic surgery faster than from open abdominal surgery. It can be done as outpatient surgery, so you usually will not have to spend the night in the hospital. The smaller incisions that are used allow you to heal faster and have smaller scars. Some of the risks like any other surgery may include: bleeding, infection, hernia (a bulge caused by poor healing), and risks of injury to adjacent organs such as bladder and bowels. Laparoscopy often is done as outpatient surgery. You usually can go home the same day, after you recover from the procedure. More complex procedures, such as laparoscopic hysterectomy, may require an overnight stay in the hospital.