Laparoscopy is a way of doing surgery using small incisions (cuts). It is different from “open” surgery where the incision on the skin can be several inches long. Laparoscopic surgery sometimes is called "minimally invasive surgery."
Laparoscopic surgery uses a special instrument called the laparoscope. The laparoscope is a long, slender device that is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. It has a camera attached to it that allows the gynecologist to view the abdominal and pelvic organs on an electronic screen. If a problem needs to be fixed, other instruments can be used. These instruments usually are inserted through additional small incisions in the abdomen.
Laparoscopy has many benefits. There is less pain after laparoscopic surgery than after open abdominal surgery, which involves larger incisions, longer hospital stays, and longer recovery times. Recovery from laparoscopic surgery generally is faster than recovery from open abdominal surgery. The smaller incisions that are used allow you to heal faster and have smaller scars. The risk of infection to the abdominal wound also is lower than with open surgery.
Laparoscopy usually is performed with general anesthesia. This type of anesthesia puts you to sleep.
Laparoscopy may be used to look for the cause of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or a pelvic mass. If a problem is found, it often can be treated during the same surgery. Laparoscopy also is used to diagnose and treat the following medical conditions:
Endometriosis
If you have signs and symptoms of endometriosis and medications have not helped, a laparoscopy may be recommended. The laparoscope is used to see inside your pelvis. If endometriosis tissue is found, it often can be removed during the same procedure.
Fibroids.
Fibroids are growths that form inside the wall of the uterus or outside the uterus. Most fibroids are benign (not cancer). Fibroids can cause pain or heavy bleeding. Laparoscopy can be used to remove them.
Ovarian cyst
Some women have cysts that develop on the ovaries. Mostly cysts can be managed with medical treatment. But if they persists they be removed with laparoscopy.
Ectopic pregnancy
Laparoscopy may be done to remove an ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic floor disorders
Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
Hysterectomy
- removal of uterus can be done safely by laparoscopy. There are many conditions when some women need to undergo removal of uterus like excessive uterine bleeding no controlled with medications, fibroids, adenomyosis, problem in endometrial lining.
These benefits have made these surgeries very common today. Most doctors would suggest this surgery.