Diagnostic laparoscopy in gynaecology

Diagnostic laparoscopy allows the surgeon to look directly at the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). A small camera is inserted through an incision of a few millimetres in the navel after the abdomen has been inflated with gas. One or two other small incisions allow fine instruments to be passed. During the examination, the surgeon can check whether the tubes are open by injecting a coloured fluid through the cervix (dye test), look for endometriosis or adhesions, and take samples. In most cases, what is found can be treated under the same anaesthetic: releasing adhesions, treating small areas of endometriosis, removing a cyst. This procedure is offered when imaging does not explain persistent pelvic pain, in some infertility assessments, or when a lesion in the pelvis needs to be seen directly. The decision is always discussed with the patient, weighing up the expected benefit. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, laparoscopy is performed in the operating theatre with a laparoscopy stack, by gynaecologists experienced in the technique. The surgeon explains to the patient what was seen and done, on waking or the following day.