Laparoscopy

Pelvic Endoscopy (Laparoscopy)

Results

Laparoscopy is a surgery that uses a thin, lighted tube put through a cut (incision) in the belly to look at the abdominal organs Click here to see an illustration. or the female pelvic organs Click here to see an illustration.. Your doctor may talk to you about the surgery once you are fully awake. He or she may call you at home later to talk to you about the results. Results of any lab tests on tissue samples may not be available for several days.

Laparoscopy

Normal:

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

Adhesions, cysts, or abnormal growths, such as tumors, are not seen.

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

Abnormal:

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.

An ectopic pregnancy may be present.

Inflammation of an internal organ may be present, such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Scar tissue may be seen on an internal organ, such as the fallopian tubes.


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Author: Sandy Jocoy, RN Last Updated: July 15, 2008
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
Arrow PointerResults
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits