Pelvic laparoscopy

Alternative names:

band-aid surgery; celioscopy; peritoneoscopy

Definition:

Surgical procedure to examine and treat abdominal and pelvic organs through a small surgical viewing instrument (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen.

Description:

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a one-half inch incision is made in the skin below the navel (umbilicus). Air is pumped into the abdomen to make the organs of the abdominal cavity more easily visible. The laparoscope is inserted and the area can be viewed. Instruments can be inserted through the scope to obtain tissue samples or to perform certain surgical procedures. After the laparoscopy, the gas is released and the incision is stitched.

Indications:

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
• puncture through the uterus (uterine perforation) following D&C or by IUD
• evaluation of infertility
• sterilization (tubal ligation)
• evaluation of a pelvic mass (such as in a Fallopian tube or ovary) that was confirmed previously by abdominal ultrasound
• surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy
• evluation of a woman who may have appendicitis or salpingitis

Pelvic laparoscopy is not recommended for:

• severe obesity
• existing severe pelvic adhesions from previous surgeries

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial