Laparoscopy
Reviewed
Also called: Diagnostic Laparoscopy, Exploratory Laparoscopy, Keyhole Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery
A laparoscopy is a type of surgery that lets a surgeon look inside your body without making a large incision (cut).
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- To find the cause of pain or other symptoms in your belly or pelvis when imaging tests haven't provided enough information
- To examine organs and glands for abnormal growths, scar tissue, bleeding, or infections
- To collect tissue samples (biopsy) to check for disease
- To determine if a known cancer has spread in the body
- To diagnose disorders of the female reproductive system, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ectopic pregnancy
Preparation and collection
Your provider will let you know how to prepare. You will need to fast (not eat or drink) for a period of time before a laparoscopy. Ask your provider whether you should take your usual medicines and/or supplements. But don't stop taking any medicine without talking with your provider first. You're also likely to feel groggy, so you'll need to plan to have someone take you home.
Laparoscopy is usually done in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. Usually, you will have general anesthesia, which is medicine to make you sleep during the surgery. After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. In most cases, you'll be able to go home after a few hours, but that depends on what procedures were done during the laparoscopy.
You may have mild abdominal pain or discomfort for a few days after a laparoscopy. You may also have neck or shoulder pain. After a laparoscopy, serious problems are very uncommon. But they can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, damage to an organ or blood vessel, and problems from the medicine that made you sleep during the procedure.
Understanding results
The results of a laparoscopy depend on the reason for doing the procedure.
- Findings used to make a diagnosis: In general, your provider will be able to make a very accurate diagnosis of your condition based on the information from a laparoscopy. Limitation: The results of a laparoscopy depend on the reason for doing the procedure. Next step: Your provider can explain what was found and what that information means for your health.
- A problem such as a tumor is found: During a laparoscopy, the surgeon is usually only looking at certain organs so that they can make a diagnosis. Limitation: Sometimes during a laparoscopy, the surgeon will use the tools needed for a biopsy to do procedures to treat certain problems. This is called laparoscopic surgery, and it differs from a laparoscopy. Next step: For example, if a laparoscopy finds a tumor, the surgeon may remove it completely during the same surgery.
- Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and damage to organs or blood vessels.
- It is usually done only when imaging tests have not provided enough information to confirm a diagnosis.
- Some conditions may not be visible during laparoscopy, and biopsy results may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
- The procedure requires general anesthesia, which has its own risks.
- Recovery may include mild pain, bloating, and shoulder discomfort for a few days.
What to do next
Your provider can explain what was found and what that information means for your health.
- What specific findings did the surgeon see during my laparoscopy?
- Were any tissue samples (biopsies) taken, and when will I get those results?
- What do the results mean for my diagnosis and treatment plan?
- What symptoms should I watch for after the procedure that might require medical attention?
- When can I resume my normal activities, including work and exercise?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.