Laparoscopy

What is laparoscopy used for in women ?
This procedure allows us to determine whether there are any defects such as scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroid tumors and other abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
If any defects are found then we can often be corrected with operative laparoscopy which involves placing instruments through ports in the scope and through additional, narrow (5 mm) ports which are usually inserted at the top of the pubic hair line in the lower abdomen.

Is it a big procedure? How much work would I miss?
In this country laparoscopy is usually done with general anesthesia (you go to sleep) although it can be done with local anesthesia and in many parts of the world local is the preferred technique.
The procedure usually takes between 20 minutes to 2 hours depending upon how much operative corrective work is required. A complicated case could take up to 4 hours or more.

What is the Complications
Complications associated with laparoscopy include the possibility of damage to other structures in the pelvis such as the bladder, ureter, bowel and blood vessels. Unexpected open surgery (larger incision) is always a possibility, but is very uncommon.
Any surgery can have an anesthesia-related complication or be associated with post-operative infection, such as a skin infection at an incision site.
Fortunately, all of these complications are very unusual when laparoscopy is expertly performed on young, healthy women.