What is the purpose of a laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy provides a careful and detailed assessment of a woman’s pelvis. In our experience, it is very common during laparoscopy to find a problem related to infertility. Fortunately, many of these problems can be treated at the time of the laparoscopy. For many women, this can dramatically improve their chances of conceiving. Common diagnoses made and corrected at the time of laparoscopy include endometriosis, pelvic scarring (adhesions), and tubal abnormalities such as fimbrial conglutinations (“clumping”) and paratubal cysts. Through modern advances in laparoscopic surgery, tiny instruments such as scissors, forceps, and laser instruments can be inserted through 5 millimeter incisions in the lower abdomen. Although general anesthesia is usually offered, there is no overnight hospitalization, and complete recovery usually takes about 1-3 days.
