What to Expect During Pelvic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in procedures such as tubal ligation, gallbladder removal, hiatal hernia repair, endometriosis excision, and uterine fibroid removal. These procedures are normally performed in the outpatient surgery unit of a hospital. In most cases, patients can return home a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure.

Two doctors performing laparoscopic surgery in an operating theater
Caiaimage / Martin Barraud / Getty Images

What Happens During Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. A typical pelvic laparoscopy involves a small (1/2" to 3/4") incision in the belly button or lower abdomen. The abdominal cavity is filled with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes the abdomen to swell, which lifts the abdominal wall away from the internal organs. That way, the healthcare provider has more room to work.

Next, a laparoscope (a one-half inch fiber-optic rod with a light source and video camera) is inserted through the belly button. The video camera permits the surgeon to see inside the abdominal area on video monitors located in the operating room.

Depending on the reason for the laparoscopy, the medical professional may perform surgery through the laparoscope by inserting various instruments into the laparoscope while using the video monitor as a guide. The video camera also allows the surgeon to take pictures of any problem areas they discover.

Your surgeon may also decide to use the da Vinci surgical system. The da Vinci system is a robot that allows your healthcare provider to perform more precise movements and have more control. The surgeon performing the procedure works at a console, rather than handling the instruments directly. This type of robotic surgery is becoming more popular, especially for endometriosis excision procedures. Robotic surgery may require more incisions than traditional laparoscopy

In some cases, the healthcare provider may discover that he is unable to accomplish the goal of surgery through the laparoscope and a full abdominal incision, laparotomy, will be made. However, if this is a possibility in your case, your practitioner will discuss this with you prior to surgery, and the surgical consent form will include this possibility.

The Risk Associated With Laparoscopy

Certain women face an increased risk, although this risk is the same as it would be with any surgical procedure. Those at risk include women who smoke, are overweight, use certain types of drugs, have pulmonary diseases or cardiovascular diseases, or are in the late stages of pregnancy.

If you think you may fall into any of these categories, be sure to discuss your surgical risks with your physician. Although rare, perforation of the bowel or liver is a possible complication that may occur during laparoscopy. Generally speaking, laparoscopy is safer than more invasive procedures.

The Recovery Period Following Laparoscopy

Depending on why the procedure is performed, most procedures do not cause significant pain and have a relatively quick recovery. Patients sometimes experience aches in the shoulders or chest following laparoscopy from the carbon dioxide that was used to fill the abdominal cavity. Although prescription painkillers are often ordered, Tylenol or Advil may be sufficient for pain relief.

Often patients have the procedure on a Friday and are able to return to light work by Monday. Barring complications, most patients are fully recovered and ready to return to full activity one week after laparoscopy.

When You Should Call the Healthcare Provider

When you leave the hospital, you will receive personalized instructions about when to call the healthcare provider. Generally, you should call the practitioner if you experience fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive pain (not controlled by painkillers), or swelling or discharge in or around the wound.

Be sure that you fully understand the reason health professionals are recommending this procedure and how you can expect to benefit. Always ask questions before agreeing to any surgical procedure.

7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. UW Health. Minimally Invasive Procedures.

  2. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Laparoscopy.

  3. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. Laparoscopic surgery - What is it?

  4. Intuitive. About Da Vinci Systems.

  5. Brigham and Women's Hospital. Computer-assisted surgery in the treatment of endometriosis.

  6. Mehasseb M. Chapter 89: Laparoscopic Surgery: When to Convert to Laparotomy? In: Gynecologic and Obstetric Surgery: Challenges and Management Options. 267-268.

  7. Tjeertes EE, Hoeks SS, Beks SS, Valentijn TT, Hoofwijk AA, Stolker RJR. Obesity – a risk factor for postoperative complications in general surgery? BMC Anesthesiology. 2015;15(1). doi:10.1186/s12871-015-0096-7.

Additional Reading
  • ACOG Education Pamphlet AP061 - Laparoscopy.

By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.