Health Library

Pelvic laparoscopy - series

Normal anatomy

The female reproductive organs are in the pelvis. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus.

Indications

Pelvic laparoscopy is used both for diagnosis and for treatment and may be recommended for:

• Pelvic pain due to uterine tissue found outside the uterus in the abdomen (endometriosis)
• Infections (pelvic inflammatory disease) not responsive to drug therapy
• Suspected twisting (torsion) of an ovary
• Ovarian cyst
• Scar tissue (adhesions) in pelvis
• Puncture through the uterus (uterine perforation) following D&C or by IUD
• Evaluation of infertility
• Sterilization (tubal ligation)
• Evaluation of a pelvic mass (such as in a Fallopian tube or ovary) that was confirmed previously by abdominal ultrasound

Incision

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a one-half inch incision is made in the skin below the navel (umbilicus).

Procedure

Air is pumped into the abdomen to make the organs of the abdominal cavity more easily visible. The laparoscope is inserted and the area can be viewed. Instruments can be inserted through the scope to obtain tissue samples or to perform certain surgical procedures. After the laparoscopy, the gas is released and the incision is stitched.

Aftercare

Patients are usually able to go home within 24 hours of surgery. Results depend on the procedure performed and the disease present.

Review Date: 3/17/2026  

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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