How Reproductive Laparoscopy Is Done

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure. It lets the doctor see your reproductive organs close up. After you are given anesthesia, small incisions are made in your abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted into one of the small incisions. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera on the end that sends pictures to a video screen. The surgeon can see inside the body. Surgical tools are put through the other incisions to complete the procedure.

Side view cross section of female pelvis showing laparoscope and surgical tool inserted in abdomen. Device to lift uterus is inserted in vagina and is holding on to cervix. Video monitor in background.

A closer look

Your doctor needs to see clearly during surgery. To do this, your abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas. A device may be inserted into the vagina to lift the uterus. This helps your doctor see your organs better through the scope.

Risks and complications of surgery

These may include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, or nearby pelvic structures

  • Risks of anesthesia

  • Blood clots

  • Hernia at the incision site

  • Need for a larger incision

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