Laparoscopy
How the test is performed:
The test is usually done in the hospital under general anesthesia, however it may be done under local anesthesia. A catheter (a small flexible tube) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The skin of the abdomen is cleansed, and a small incision is made just below the navel to allow the insertion of the laparoscope (instrument used to look inside the cavity). A needle is inserted into the incision and carbon dioxide gas is injected to enlarge the cavity area and elevate the abdominal wall. This allows for easier viewing and manipulation of the organs. The laparoscope is inserted, and the pelvis and abdomen area are examined. On occasion another incision is made for abdominal forceps. These are used to lift the tubes and ovaries for further examination. A dye may be injected through the cervical canal to make the Fallopian tubes easier to view. Following the examination, minor surgical procedures may be done (such as an ovarian biopsy, or a liver biopsy). The laparoscope is then removed, the incision is closed with sutures, and bandages are applied.
How to prepare for the test:
You cannot have any food or fluid for 8 hours before the test.
You must sign a consent form.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
Under general anesthesia, no pain will be felt during the procedure, however the incision site may throb and be slightly painful afterward. A pain reliever may be given by your physician.
With local anesthesia, you may feel a prick and a burning sensation when the local anesthetic is given. Pain may occur at the incision site. The laparoscope may cause pressure, but there should be no pain during the procedure. Afterward, the incision site may throb for several hours and be slightly painful. A pain reliever may be given by your physician
Why the test is performed:
The examination helps identify the cause of pain in the pelvic area. It may detect endometriosis (tissues normally found in the uterus growing in other areas), an ectopic pregnancy (in which the fertilized egg develops outside of the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease (an inflammation in the pelvic cavity), cancer, or other problems. The procedure is also used to obtain biopsies of the liver and ovaries, as well as to remove some small ovarian cysts or ovarian tumors.
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