Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical examination. The abdominal cavity is stretched out using carbon dioxide, which is inserted inside through a small incision above the navel via a small, blunt needle. Then, a special device called a laparoscope is used to examine the inside of the abdominal cavity. This surgery can serve a diagnostic purpose and can determine the cause of infertility, such as fallopian tubes patency problems, severe adhesions, myomas, uterine abnormalities or can be used therapeutically to treat these problems – remove adhesions, myomas, cysts, endometriosis, etc.
Preparation for Surgery | The day of the surgery is set by our facility physician usually in the first half of a menstrual cycle. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and pre-operative examination is required. Patient comes on the day of the procedure. The procedure is performed by our facility physician. For safe anesthesia, it is required to fast from 9pm of the previous day. Liquids are also not allowed starting at midnight. Patient comes for admission the next day at 7am and the surgery is performed sometime between 8am – 12pm.
Surgery | The surgery lasts about 30 minutes and is done under general anesthesia. Preferably, it is scheduled at the onset of a menstrual cycle. The physician makes a 1.5mm incision above the navel. Through this incision, the abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide. Then, the trocar (a tube for a laparoscope) and the actual laparoscope with the camera and the light are inserted the same way. All organs of the abdominal cavity including the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries are thoroughly examined and the fallopian tubes patency test can also be performed. When used for treatment, the surgical tools can be inserted with the help of another incision and two 5mm punctures. After the surgery is completed, the surgical areas are visually examined, the gas is released from cavity and the small incisions are closed. The patient is discharged the next day and fully recovers in 7 to 14 days.
Advantages of Laparoscopy
- gives very thorough information about the condition of all abdominal cavity organs, including fallopian tubes patency and function
- minimal cosmetic effects
- short hospitalization time
- low risk of later complications