Pelvic Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Experiencing infertility or pelvic pain is difficult, but you're not alone. You always have options to explore and your provider may recommend a laparoscopy to determine the cause of pain or other problems related to the uterus or gynecological organs.

What is a pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy?

Pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine the inside of the abdomen/pelvis, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can also be used to biopsy the pelvic area.

Risks and benefits of a pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy

As with any procedure, there are possible risks to be aware of before undergoing a pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy. These can include:

• Injury to nearby organs and/or blood vessels
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Abdominal wall inflammation
• Blood clots

However, the good news is that these complications tend to be rare, and arguably, the biggest benefit of diagnostic laparoscopy is that it consistently provides accurate diagnoses.

Who needs pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy?

There are a variety of reasons that a diagnostic laparoscopy could be the right choice for you. Your doctor may recommend it if you:

• Have pelvic pain
• Struggle with infertility
• Think you might have PID or endometriosis
• Have tissue mass in uterus (uterine fibroids)

What to expect during a pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy

To get ready for a pelvic diagnostic laparoscopy, your doctor may order tests ahead of the procedure, including ultrasounds, lab work, CTs and/or MRIs. During surgery, the surgeon makes a small abdominal incision through your navel and inserts a laparoscope (thin tube) to examine your reproductive organs. You'll then meet with your doctor for a follow-up visit two to eight weeks after the procedure.