The laparoscopy is an outpatient procedure where two to three small openings are made in the abdomen. One is made below the navel and the others are placed above the pubic hair line. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas, and a “telescope-like” tube is placed through one opening, and surgical tools are passed through the other. The laparoscopy is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia and is accompanied by minor discomfort.

The laparoscope allows the physician to view the tubes, ovaries, uterus and other internal organs and structures. In general, a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist should perform the laparoscopy for infertility. Infertility specialists have years of advanced training in laparoscopic techniques. Many times a specialist can treat conditions, like endometriosis, during the laparoscopy, eliminating the need for a second procedure.

Laparoscopy is used for many surgeries, even complex procedures, because it greatly reduces the recovery time and patient discomfort. (See the reproductive surgery section )

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