Diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the organs and structures inside the pelvis and abdomen. It allows the gynaecologist to directly view the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic structures using a small camera called a laparoscope.
It may be recommended when symptoms or other investigations do not provide a clear diagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy can help identify conditions affecting the reproductive organs and pelvic structures and, in selected cases, treatment can also be performed during the same procedure.
A laparoscope is a thin instrument with a camera and light attached to it. During the procedure, it is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen, usually near the navel.
The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create enough space for the surgeon to clearly examine the pelvic and abdominal organs.
Additional small instruments may be introduced through other small incisions when required.
Diagnostic laparoscopy may be considered when a condition affecting the pelvis needs further evaluation. Common reasons may include:
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It may affect the ovaries, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder or other pelvic structures.
When endometriosis is suspected, laparoscopy may allow the doctor to directly inspect the pelvis and identify areas that may not be clearly visible on routine imaging.
If appropriate, treatment of visible endometriosis may sometimes be performed during the same operation.
In selected women undergoing evaluation for infertility, laparoscopy may be recommended when there is a possibility of pelvic disease, endometriosis, adhesions or abnormalities affecting the reproductive organs.
The procedure can allow direct assessment of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic structures. In some cases, additional procedures may be performed during the same operation if a treatable abnormality is identified.
Persistent pelvic pain can have several possible causes. When clinical evaluation and imaging do not provide a clear explanation, diagnostic laparoscopy may be considered in selected patients.
It allows the surgeon to directly inspect the pelvic organs and look for conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian abnormalities or other pelvic pathology.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is generally performed under anaesthesia. A small incision is made near the navel and the laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen.
The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide to provide space for examination. The surgeon then examines the pelvic and abdominal organs using the camera.
If necessary, additional small incisions may be made to introduce surgical instruments. Depending on the findings, selected treatment procedures may be performed during the same operation.
Depending on the patient's symptoms and the purpose of the procedure, laparoscopy may help identify:
In selected cases, diagnostic laparoscopy can be combined with treatment during the same operation. This depends on the condition identified, the patient's health and the planned procedure.
Depending on the findings, procedures such as treatment of endometriosis, removal of selected ovarian cysts or division of adhesions may be considered.
Recovery depends on whether the procedure was purely diagnostic or whether additional treatment was performed. Many patients are able to return to normal activities relatively quickly, although recovery time varies from person to person.
Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating or shoulder-tip discomfort can occur temporarily after laparoscopy because of the gas used during the procedure.
Your doctor will provide individual instructions regarding medicines, physical activity, wound care and follow-up.
If you have persistent pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, unexplained infertility or another pelvic condition that has not been adequately explained by routine investigations, your gynaecologist may discuss whether diagnostic laparoscopy is appropriate.
The decision to perform laparoscopy is individual and depends on your symptoms, medical history, examination and results of previous investigations.
Consult Dr. Gursimran Kaur for evaluation of pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility and other gynaecological conditions where laparoscopic assessment may be appropriate.
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