Pelviscopy, also known as laparoscopy, is a procedure that allows visualization of the pelvic and abdominal organs by placing long thin scopes thru small incisions on the abdomen. For this procedure, patients are put under general anesthesia so they do not feel or remember the procedure. It is considered an outpatient procedure meaning home the same day. Most patients can get back to normal activities within a week or two and only require narcotic pain medication for a few days.

The procedure is used for diagnosis and/or treatment of a problem. Common times that a pelviscopy may be used are:

• Pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Tubal ligation/Sterilization
• Removal of ovaries
• Removal of ovarian cysts or drainage of cysts
• To evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes (for infertility patients)
• Removal of ectopic pregnancy
• Removal of an abnormal fallopian tube
• Removal of a fibroid tumor (myomectomy)
• Assist in a hysterectomy (LAVH, LTH, LSH)
• To re-establish vaginal support (ASC, USLS)

If the operation is difficult or requires precise movements, the da Vinci Surgical System (Robot) may be used to facilitate this operation. See ACOG pamphlet for more information.

ACOG, "Laparoscopy" AP061