What Are These Procedures?
Diagnostic Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedures used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs. They help doctors find the cause of issues like pelvic pain, infertility, or abnormal bleeding.
What Is a Diagnostic Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a procedure where a doctor looks inside your abdomen (belly) using a small camera called a laparoscope. It’s done through a tiny cut, usually near your belly button.
Used to Diagnose:
- Unexplained pelvic pain
- Infertility or trouble getting pregnant
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts or fibroids
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Ectopic pregnancy
How It’s Done:
- You’ll be under general anaesthesia (asleep during the procedure).
- A small cut is made in your abdomen.
- The doctor inserts a camera to view your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
What Is a Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a doctor looks inside your uterus using a thin camera called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the vagina.
Used to Diagnose:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Fibroids or polyps inside the uterus
- Repeated miscarriages
- Uterine shape problems
- Causes of infertility
How It’s Done:
- Usually done without any cuts.
- A thin tube with a light and camera goes through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.
- The doctor may take a small sample or remove minor growths if needed.
Why You Might Need Both?
Sometimes, both procedures are done together to get a complete view of your reproductive health—both inside the uterus and outside in the pelvic area. This can give your doctor the best chance of finding the cause of your symptoms.
Key Benefits:
- Minimally invasive (tiny or no cuts)
- Faster recovery time
- Helps avoid unnecessary major surgery
- High accuracy in diagnosing problems
- Can treat small issues during the same procedure
What to Expect?
- Before: You may need to fast and stop certain medications. Your doctor will guide you.
- During: Usually done under general anaesthesia.
- After: Mild pain or cramping is common. Most women go home the same day or the next.
- Recovery: 1–2 days for hysteroscopy, 3–5 days for laparoscopy (may vary).