Overview
Diagnostic laparoscopy allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs when clinical assessment or imaging does not provide sufficient information. It may be used to evaluate pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, infertility, or unclear pelvic findings. When pathology is identified, treatment can often be performed during the same procedure.
How It Works
The procedure is performed through small abdominal incisions (typically 5-10 mm) using a camera and specialized instruments. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently expand the abdomen, creating space to view the pelvic organs clearly.
Indications
- Suspected endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain without clear cause on imaging
- Assessment of pelvic adhesions
- Evaluation of pelvic masses or cysts
- Infertility investigation
- Assessment of ectopic pregnancy
What to Expect
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Usually a day-surgery procedure
- 2-4 small incisions on the abdomen
- Recovery typically 1-2 weeks for return to normal activities
- Mild shoulder discomfort from residual gas is common and resolves within days
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with small scars
- Definitive diagnostic capability
- Simultaneous treatment when pathology is found
- Shorter recovery compared to open surgery
- Histologic confirmation of disease (e.g., endometriosis)
Risks
As with any surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, diagnostic laparoscopy carries potential risks:
- Injury to bowel, bladder, ureters, or blood vessels — uncommon but possible during entry or instrumentation
- Bleeding — occasionally requiring transfusion
- Infection — wound infection or pelvic infection
- Venous thromboembolism — deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, rare
- Conversion to open surgery — occasionally necessary if adequate visualization or safe access cannot be achieved laparoscopically
- Shoulder-tip pain — common and temporary, caused by residual carbon dioxide gas irritating the diaphragm
- Port-site hernia — rare, occurring at the incision sites
Illustrations courtesy of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) Patient Information Leaflets.