Laparoscopy Q & A

What is a laparoscopy?

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that’s used for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Laparoscopy is one of the most common types of OB/GYN surgery for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, as well as hysterectomy. The OB/GYNs at Unified Premier Women’s Care perform laparoscopic surgery at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

What are the advantages of laparoscopy?

One of the major advantages of laparoscopy is that your doctor makes just a few small incisions of around half an inch each. Smaller incisions mean less bleeding, faster healing, and less pain while you’re healing.

Because laparoscopy is much less invasive than traditional open surgery, you can expect an easier overall recovery. You can usually go home the same day.

What are the most common laparoscopic procedures?

The OB/GYNs at Unified Premier Women’s Care perform several different procedures via laparoscopy. Some of the most common include:

• Fibroid removal (myomectomy)
• Ovarian cyst removal
• Hysterectomy
• Endometriosis diagnosis and removal

In some cases, a laparoscopy serves dual purposes. For example, if your doctor suspects endometriosis, they can often make the diagnosis and then remove the endometriosis in the same procedure.

What kind of anesthesia will I have for my laparoscopy?

The anesthesia for your laparoscopy depends on exactly what kind of treatment you’re having, your personal preferences, and your doctor’s recommendations. You may have local, regional, or general anesthesia for your laparoscopy.

The type of anesthesia that you have can impact your recovery time. Local anesthesia has the fastest recovery, and general anesthesia has the longest recovery.

What is recovery from laparoscopy like?

Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is smooth and relatively easy for most women. Because you’ll have small incisions and only minimal bleeding, you can expect mild to moderate pain instead of the severe pain that would come with an open surgery.

In many cases, you’ll be able to leave the hospital only a few hours after your surgery (a family member or friend must drive you home). Most patients recover from laparoscopic procedures in anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on what procedure is performed.

The team of OB/GYNs at Unified Premier Women’s Care perform laparoscopic surgery with skill and expertise. Call the office to schedule a consultation.