Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a procedure used to check the organs in the belly (abdomen). It can also check a woman’s pelvic organs.

Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your belly. The video camera images can be seen on a computer screen.

One benefit of laparoscopy is that it’s minimally invasive. That means it uses a very small cut in the belly. Laparoscopy usually takes less time and has a faster recovery than open surgery.

Laparoscopy may be used to take a small tissue sample for testing (a biopsy). It can also be used to remove organs such as the appendix (appendectomy) or the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).

Why might I need a laparoscopy?

An abdominal laparoscopy can be done to check the abdomen and its organs for:

• Tumors and other growths
• Injuries
• Bleeding inside the belly
• Infections
• Belly pain that can’t be explained
• Blockages
• Other conditions

A laparoscopy is often done when the results of a physical exam, X-ray, or computed tomography (CT) scan are not clear.

Laparoscopy may be used to determine a stage of cancer for an abdominal organ. It may also be used to check an abdominal injury. It can see where the injury is and how deep it is. It can also see how much internal bleeding you have.

For women, a gynecologic laparoscopy may be used to check:

• Pelvic pain and problems
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• The fallopian tubes

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