Gynaecological laparoscopy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about gynaecological laparoscopy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What is the difference between a gynaecological laparoscopy and a laparotomy?
- I am going to have a gynaecological laparoscopy and dye test. What does this involve?
- I am having a gynaecological laparoscopy for sterilisation. What does this involve?
What is the difference between a gynaecological laparoscopy and a laparotomy?
Laparotomy is a procedure that involves making a large cut on the abdomen. A gynaecological laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure and only involves making several (two to four) small cuts on your abdomen.
Explanation
Gynaecological laparoscopy is fast becoming the standard technique for examining and treating gynaecological conditions. Keyhole procedures have several advantages over open surgery. These include:
- a shorter hospital stay
- a quicker recovery
- very little or no visible scarring
Further information
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
www.rcog.org.uk
Sources
- Chapron C, Querleu D, Bruhat MA, et al. Surgical complications of diagnostic and operative gynaecological laparoscopy: a series of 29,966 cases. Hum Reprod 1998; 13:867-877. www.humrep.oxfordjournals.org
I am going to have a gynaecological laparoscopy and dye test. What does this involve?
If you're undergoing investigations for infertility, your doctor may perform a gynaecological laparoscopy and dye test. The dye test is used to check whether or not your fallopian tubes are blocked.
Explanation
Normally an egg travels down the fallopian tubes from the ovaries to the womb. If you have unprotected sexual intercourse, sperm can swim up the fallopian tube and fertilise the egg, resulting in pregnancy. If your fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm can't meet.
Gynaecological laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure that is used to look inside your pelvic area and examine your fallopian tubes. At the same time a harmless blue dye (methylene blue) is injected through the cervix into the womb and into the fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes aren't blocked, your doctor will be able to see the dye pass along them.
It is important that you use contraception during the cycle that the dye test is performed. This is to make sure that you're not pregnant.
After the procedure you may have a dark vaginal discharge for a day or two. Your doctor will explain what to expect and how to look after yourself after the procedure.
Further information
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
www.rcog.org.uk
Sources
- Arulkumaran S, Symonds IM, Fowlie A. Oxford Handbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004: 588
I am having a gynaecological laparoscopy for sterilisation. What does this involve?
Surgery to sterilise a woman usually involves blocking the fallopian tubes. Once a month an egg travels down the fallopian tubes from the ovaries to the womb. If you have unprotected sexual intercourse, sperm can swim up the fallopian tube and fertilise the egg, resulting in pregnancy. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm can't meet.
Explanation
Gynaecological laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure that allows your doctor to examine your fallopian tubes and perform surgery.
Laparoscopic sterilisation is most commonly achieved by blocking the fallopian tubes using clips. The procedure is carried out as a day case under general anaesthesia. Your doctor will explain what to expect and how to look after yourself after the procedure.
Sources
- Arulkumaran S, Symonds IM, Fowlie A. Oxford Handbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004: 646
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Gynaecological laparoscopy factsheet
Visit the gynaecological laparoscopy health factsheet for more information.
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