What is Diagnostic Laparoscopy

As we mentioned in previous articles during the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues grow somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle, building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through menstrual period. In this article, we will discuss what is diagnostic laparoscopy in endometriosis?

I. Definition

Diagnostic laparoscopy is defined as the medical procedure that your doctor uses a thin metal tube with a light and camera to look for endometrial, pelvic and other abnormality inside your abdomen.

II. Procedure

Before the examination taking place, you are asked not to drink, eat, even water after midnight and the morning of this test. The laparoscopy is generally performed in an outpatient setting in the hospital with general anesthesia. The procedure starts with a small incision just below your belly button then the needle deliver carbon dioxide to inflate the peritoneal cavity. This helps your doctor to have a general view at your abdomen organs with the laparoscopy. Most patients require another incision so your doctor can have a clean view of each organs and adjacent structures. Sometimes, sample abnormal tissues may also be taken during this

procedure.Occasionally, the third incision may be needed. You can go home after few hours of recovery. Please make sure that you have someone to drive you home.

III. Risks

1. Anesthesia risk
2. Unable to perform normal activity until recovery.
3. Infection and bleeding
4. Damage to blood vessels and organs

If you have high fever, redness, swelling, drainage from incisions, etc after laparoscopy, please call your doctor immediately.