Dr. Sunil Garg

Laparoscopy is a procedure that involves insertion of a narrow telescope-like instrument through a small incision in the belly button. This allows visualization of the abdominal and pelvic organs including the area of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.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 they 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.

Laparoscopy traditionally used to be part of the female infertility work-up. However, this tradition has recently been challenged as potentially being a questionable procedure when assessed by its cost-effectiveness and invasiveness.

Because of the cost and invasive nature of laparoscopy it should not be the first procedure or diagnostic test performed as part of the couples infertility diagnostic evaluation. In general, semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram and documentation of ovulation should be assessed prior to consideration of laparoscopy. For example, if the woman has a clear ovulation problem or her male partner has a severe sperm defect then it is unlikely that laparoscopy will provide additional useful information that will help them to conceive.

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. The woman is generally discharged home from the hospital approximately two hours after completion of the surgery. The woman will usually need to take off an additional 1-2 days from work following the procedure. Mild to moderate pain should be expected to last for up to 7 days or so after the procedure.