A gynaecological laparoscopy is a procedure that allows a surgeon to look inside your pelvis, for example at your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus (womb). It can be used either to diagnose a condition or for treatment.
Laparoscopy is helpful in:
- unexplained infertility
- unexplained pelvic pain
- a history of pelvic infection
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- ovarian cysts or tumors
- ectopic pregnancy
- pelvic abscess, or pus
- pelvic adhesions, or painful scar tissue
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- reproductive cancers
Hysteroscopy
It is the examination of the inside of the womb using a fine telescope. A small telescope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the cavity of the womb. Generally this is done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon then carefully inspects the lining of the womb; the images from a camera attached to the telescope are projected onto a TV screen so you can watch the pictures if you want.
It is likely that you will need a biopsy of the lining of the womb. This is performed by inserting a small sampler at the end of the procedure. This sampling only takes 10-20 seconds but can cause a cramp-like sensation, which again settles very quickly. It is possible that a polyp (an overgrowth of the lining of the womb) may be found. This can be removed at the time of the hysteroscopy. (see information section on ‘polyp removal’)