Yes, laparoscopy is used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. The procedure serves both a diagnostic and therapeutic (as in treatment) purpose, sometimes within the same session.

Basic Overview of Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

Laparoscopy is a form of endoscopy, a medical procedure that is less invasive then traditional surgeries, and subsequently tends to be safer. It utilizes a hallow tube equipped with a tiny camera, known as a scope (hence the 'scopy' part of the term) to provide real-time video footage of internal structures. This allows for direct visualization of tissue structures.

When laparoscopy is used to diagnosis or treat endometriosis, the scope is usually is routed through the uterus, as this is the most common location of abnormal tissue, also know as endometrial implants, or endometrial lesions.

Laparoscopy to Diagnose Endometriosis

Laparoscopy is used for exploratory purposes in order to confirm that endometriosis is present and to pinpoint the precise location/s of endometriosis lesions. Attachments are inserted through the hallow tube to enable tissue biopsy, the removal of a small tissue sample that is later tested for a particular abnormality. To diagnosis endometriosis, the tissue sample is evaluated for the presence of endometrial cells. A tissue sample that tests positive for endometrial cells provides a definitive diagnosis(absolutely positive diagnosis) of the condition.

How Laparoscopy is Used to Treat Endometriosis

During exploration, the provider may be able to remove endometrial implants by placing a special attachment through the scope. When successful, removal of endometrial implants serve as a definitive cure. However, adjuvant therapies (to compliment the primary treatment), such as a hormonal drug regimen, may be used after the procedure, just in case some tissue remnants were missed, and also to reduce the risk of new growth.