Laparoscopy

A physician explaining laparoscopy results to a patient

Laparoscopy is an innovative way to diagnose and treat conditions of the female reproductive system. At Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas, laparoscopy is used to complete procedures like tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and the removal of cysts, endometriosis tissue or fibroids. With locations in Dallas and Rockwall, Texas, our practice offers women a wide range of women’s health services for acute and chronic conditions that may require laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopy FAQs

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery–it is an alternative to open surgery. It involves a surgical technique of small incisions that are usually smaller than one inch. Through these incisions, your physician can use a tiny instrument called a laparoscope—along with other tools—to diagnose conditions, remove tissue, or repair problems in your reproductive organs.

When it comes to women’s health issues, doctors use laparoscopies to diagnose and treat several problems, including infertility, pelvic pain, or heavy periods. Your physician might recommend a laparoscopy to address conditions like:

  • Fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic floor disorders
  • Cancer
  • Tubal ligation

A laparoscopy might also be necessary if you need a hysterectomy. In that procedure, your physician can remove pieces of your uterus, one at a time, through the incisions on your abdomen.

In other cases, laparoscopy is necessary if you have an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg stays in your Fallopian tube instead of your uterus.

Laparoscopy can also be useful if you have issues with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Laparoscopy allows a doctor to see inside the body to evaluate the structures of the reproductive system, including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and uterus. It can help a doctor diagnose many conditions that affect fertility, such as endometriosis, blocked Fallopian tubes, scar tissue build-up, fibroids, or other abnormalities of the reproductive system.

Since laparoscopy is a minimally invasive type of surgery, recovery time is fast, and you can usually go home the same day as your procedure. Depending on what issues your surgery addressed, you will need to follow specific aftercare instructions.

Most patients need to rest for a few days after a laparoscopy, and you may experience some tenderness or pain where the doctor made the incisions. This discomfort usually subsides after a few days and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Although surgery isn’t something anyone looks forward to with great anticipation, the laparoscopy procedure has made it easy for physicians to diagnose and treat numerous problems related to the female reproductive system rather quickly.

Done early enough, a laparoscopy can help your physician provide you with the best treatment plan, no matter what your needs are.

Laparoscopic Surgical Options at WHS of Dallas

If you would like to discuss laparoscopic surgical options with one of our board-certified OB/GYN physicians or would like to schedule your procedure, please call our office at (214) 363-4421.