Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is done to:

• Check for and possibly take out abnormal growths (such as tumors) in the belly or pelvis.
• Check for and treat conditions such as Reference endometriosis Opens New Window, Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window, or Reference pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Opens New Window.
• Find conditions that can make it hard for a woman to become pregnant. These conditions include cysts, adhesions, Reference fibroids Opens New Window, and infection. Laparoscopy may be done after initial infertility tests do not show the cause for the infertility.
• Do a biopsy.
• See whether cancer in another area of the body has spread to the belly.
• Check for damage to internal organs, such as the spleen, after an injury or accident.
• Do a Reference tubal ligation Opens New Window.
• Fix a Reference hiatal hernia Opens New Window or an Reference inguinal hernia Opens New Window.
• Take out organs, such as the Reference uterus Opens New Window, Reference spleen Opens New Window, Reference gallbladder Opens New Window (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), Reference ovaries Opens New Window, or Reference appendix Opens New Window (appendectomy). Partial removal (resection) of the colon also can be done.
• Find the cause of sudden or ongoing pelvic pain.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.