Laparoscopy Specialist

Comprehensive Women's Health

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Birmingham, MI & Oxford, MI

An effective and minimally invasive alternative to open surgery with large incisions and long healing times, laparoscopy revolutionizes pelvic surgery. The OB/GYN team of Dr. Lana Powell offers laparoscopy as an alternative at Comprehensive Women’s Health with offices in Oxford and Birmingham, Michigan. To find out if laparoscopy is an option for your next pelvic surgery, call the office, or book an appointment online.

Laparoscopy Q & A

What is a laparoscope?

A laparoscope is a slender, sterile tube to which a light and a scope are affixed, so the providers can see inside your body. A laparoscope fits into tiny incisions in the abdomen and provides a better view of a surgical site, meaning the surgery is less invasive, but the providers get a superior view.

What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure that helps Dr. Powell determines what may be causing problems such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or abnormal uterine bleeding. Laparoscopy is especially helpful when other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or X-ray, are inconclusive.

Issues such as endometriosis or fibroids can be identified with laparoscopy. Other conditions that may be diagnosed with laparoscopy include:

Ovarian cysts
Ectopic pregnancy
Painful scar tissue
Reproductive cancers
Pelvic inflammatory disease

If you have unexplained infertility, laparoscopy may be ordered to examine the health of your reproductive organs.

What are the benefits of laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy offers many advantages over open surgery. These include:

Shorter hospital stays
Minimal scarring
Less blood loss and risk of infection
Faster recovery
Less pain and need for pain medications

Traditional open surgery requires incisions of six to 12 inches long. With laparoscopy, incisions are about a half inch in length.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery may be done as its own procedure or at the same time as diagnosis. Along with the laparoscope, the providers use tiny instruments that fit in the small incisions to perform necessary procedures.

Surgical procedures that can be performed laparoscopically include:

Hysterectomy
Removal of ovarian cysts
Tubal ligation

Laparoscopic surgery is extremely safe and effective.

How long is recovery following laparoscopic procedures?

The providers at Comprehensive Women’s Health provide a thorough post-care schedule for you to follow. In most cases, you can bathe after surgery and return to work about three days after your procedure.

You may have a swollen abdomen for several days after surgery as well as mild nausea. Gas that enters the abdomen during the procedure may cause discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and chest for up to 72 hours after laparoscopy.

To learn if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, call Comprehensive Women’s Health, or book an appointment online.

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