Peritoneoscopy, celioscopy, and pelvic endoscopy.

• To determine the cause of chronic pelvic pain.
• To identify tumors, ovarian cysts, and endometrial growths, and possibly to drain or remove them.
• To determine the cause of fertility problems.
• To perform a tubal ligation--cutting and tying off the fallopian tubes--for purposes of sterilization.

A laparoscope--a narrow tube with a fiber-optic light on the end--introduced through the abdominal wall allows the doctor a direct view of the pelvic organs.

• Because you are undergoing general anesthesia, you must not have anything to eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure.
• You remove all clothing and don a hospital gown.
• In some cases, a local anesthetic will be administered with the general anesthesia.

• Once the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor makes a 1-inch incision just below your navel.
• A gas insufflator is used to fill your abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide. This elevates the abdominal wall and allows a better view of your organs.
• The laparoscope is then introduced into the cavity through the incision. The physician looks at the reproductive organs, notes any abnormalities, and takes biopsy specimens if necessary. Surgical procedures may also be performed at this time using tiny instruments that fit into small sheaths inserted elsewhere in the abdomen.
• When the procedure is over, the gas is allowed to escape, and the incision is closed with a few stitches and dressed. Any tissue specimens will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.

In hysteroscopy, a hysteroscope--an endoscopic instrument similar to a laparoscope--is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity in order to examine the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus. A small electrified loop can be used to take biopsy samples of the endometrium for laboratory analysis.

• You will remain in the recovery room for two to three hours while the anesthesia wears off and your vital signs are monitored. You will be encouraged to walk around as soon as possible.
• Unless this is an inpatient procedure, you will be allowed to leave and resume a normal diet.
• You may experience some cramping, and you may experience referred pain in one or both shoulders as a result of the gas. These effects can be treated with nonprescription painkillers and should last no more than a day or two.
• You can shower as usual if you keep the dressing dry, but you should restrict your activity and avoid sexual intercourse for two or three days.
• Call your doctor if you have any severe pain, bleeding from your incision, or fever.

Obesity.

The physician may be able to report some results immediately. Any laboratory specimens will be examined by a pathologist, who will submit a report to your doctor. Abnormalities may include fallopian tube malfunctions, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, uterine fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts, or evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• It provides direct view of female reproductive organs.
• In many cases, it eliminates the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

It's a surgical procedure with some risk attached.

• If laparoscopy is performed for tubal ligation or to terminate an ectopic pregnancy, or if the procedure allows complete removal of a cyst, a tumor, or endometrial tissue, no further procedures are necessary.
• If endometrial tissue or fibroid tumors are extensive, more invasive surgery may be necessary.