Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine the abdominal organs (intestines, liver, and spleen) and the female pelvic organs. It is used to diagnose problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and infection.

Additional procedures can be done during laparoscopy to remove adhesions, repair an inguinal hernia, perform a tubal ligation, remove the appendix (appendectomy), and treat endometriosis. 

During laparoscopy, a small cut (incision) is made in the abdomen and a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. Tissue samples can be collected for biopsy through the scope. Other instruments, such as surgical scissors, can be inserted through additional incisions.

Laparoscopy can be done to:

• Look at organs of the gastrointestinal (GI) system (such as the stomach and intestines) and collect tissue samples for examination under a microscope (biopsy).
• Look at organs of the female reproductive system (such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) and collect tissue samples for biopsy.
• Surgically remove organs (such as the uterus, spleen, gallbladder, or appendix) or repair certain problems (such as an inguinal hernia).

In many cases, laparoscopy can eliminate the need for a more extensive operation (laparotomy) that would require a larger incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopy can be less risky, less stressful, and less costly than laparotomy and can often be done without requiring an overnight stay in the hospital.

Laparoscopy
Results

Your doctor should be able to discuss some of the findings with you right after the procedure, but results of lab tests on tissue samples may not be available for several days.

Normal results:

 - The organs are normal in size, shape, and position.

 - Adhesions, cysts, or abnormal growths (such as tumors) are seen.

 - No signs of disease (such as endometriosis), inflammation (such as appendicitis), or infection are seen.

Abnormal results:

 - An organ may be abnormal in size, shape, or position.

 - Adhesions, cysts, or abnormal growths (such as tumors) may be seen.

 - Signs of disease (such as endometriosis) or infection may be seen.

 - A pregnancy may be found that is growing outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

 - Inflammation of an internal organ such as the appendix (appendicitis), gallbladder (cholecystitis), or female reproductive organs (pelvic inflammatory disease) may be found.

 - Scar tissue may be seen on an internal organ (such as the fallopian tubes).