Diagnostic Studies: Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for a complete examination and evaluation of a woman's pelvic and abdominal structures. Laparoscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia in the operating room in a day care surgical center. It is not uncommon to discover abnormalities that may prevent pregnancy yet may not be readily identified during a physical exam or with blood tests or on ultrasound exam.

The procedure consists of inserting a telescope like instrument through a small incision in the belly button. Two or 3 smaller incisions are then fashioned in the area above the pubic bone. Through these smaller incisions operative probes are inserted. The abdomen is then inflated using carbon dioxide gas. The physician can then evaluate the:

1. Fallopian tubes to see if they are open by injecting
   a blue dye.
2. Evaluate the ends of the fallopian tube that are in
   close proximity to the ovary.
3. Look for any evidence of endometriosis or scar tissue
   formation
4. Congenital anomalies

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeries
Because only small incisions are used, most patients go home the same day with less than a week recovery. The doctors are highly skilled in laparoscopic surgery and have performed thousands of endoscopic procedures.