Laparoscopy Specialist

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that The Women's Specialists of Fayette medical team uses for both diagnostic and treatment purposes.

A laparoscopy requires only small incisions to access specific treatment areas. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a slender surgical instrument that contains a tiny camera. This camera transmits real-time images of your internal structures to an external camera.

Using precise surgical instruments, your surgeon can remove:

• Pelvic masses
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometrial tissue

They can also use the camera to explore your reproductive structures to identify abnormalities in the soft tissue or organs to diagnose gynecological health issues. Laparoscopic hysterectomies are also available for permanent birth control or to address reproductive health issues.

The medical team at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette can determine if laparoscopy is right for you based on your health history and your existing gynecological issues.

What are the benefits of laparoscopy?

As a diagnostic tool, laparoscopy allows the practitioners at The Women's Specialists of Fayette to get a closeup look at your internal structures to more accurately diagnose unexplained pain and complex gynecological issues.

When comparing laparoscopy to traditional open surgery, you get the added benefit of much faster recovery time and fewer scars. As laparoscopy only requires small incisions, you can also lower your risk for infection.

Other benefits of laparoscopy include:

• Less pain
• Less bleeding
• Shorter hospital stay

Laparoscopic procedures reduce the overall trauma to your body to protect your health.

How long does it take to recover from laparoscopy?

While each person heals differently, you can expect a faster recovery time with laparoscopy compared to traditional surgery. Immediately following your procedure, your surgeon closes the incision and you spend time in recovery.

You learn how to care for the incision site to prevent infection and other post-surgical complications. Limiting your activities and getting plenty of rest will encourage healing. Your surgeon determines when you can return to work and your usual activities based on your recovery process.

In the event you experience discharge from the incision site or unexplained pain, be sure to contact The Women's Specialists of Fayette immediately for an evaluation.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional surgery to improve your reproductive health, contact the office today to learn more about laparoscopy. You can book a consultation online or by phone.

How is laparoscopy different from open surgery?

Traditional surgical procedures involve 8 to 10-inch incisions that are often accompanied by higher risks such as excessive bleeding and infection. Additionally, such procedures require longer recovery times as well as longer hospital stays.

Laparoscopic procedures are completely the opposite. Patients experience shorter recovery times and hospital stays, less soreness and small incisions that heal quicker. The risks are much fewer.

What kinds of laparoscopic procedures are available?

Your gynecologist at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette may recommend laparoscopy if you need surgery. The following conditions are generally a good fit for laparoscopic procedures:

• Laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic pain
• Laparoscopy to treat endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic pain
• Laparoscopy to remove pelvic masses

What can I expect during laparoscopy?

During the procedure, your physician will make a small incision and places a tiny camera inside it. This camera provides the doctor with a view of the surgical site for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

Another incision is made and a tiny surgical instrument is placed inside to treat your condition. Depending on which type of procedure you are having, this may involve removing uterine fibroids, endometrial tissue, pelvic masses, or your uterus.

What is the recovery process like after laparoscopy?

Your gynecologist will give you detailed instructions on caring for your incisions after surgery. That involves keeping them clean, which helps reduce the risk of infections.

If you notice redness, pain, discharge, or other signs of an infection, contact your gynecologist right away. During the first few weeks after laparoscopy, you will need to allow your body to rest in order to completely heal.

If you need more information on laparoscopy, please contact the Women's Specialists of Fayette.