Exploratory laparoscopy - gynecologic; Laparoscopic tubal ligation; Laparoscopic oophorectomy; Laparoscopic hysterectomy; Laparoscopic egg harvest

There is a risk of puncturing an organ. This could cause the contents of the intestines to leak, or lead to bleeding into the abdominal cavity. This may need more involved surgery. Severe injury may result in infection or the need for a blood transfusion.

Women who have already had surgery to the abdomen or pelvis may not be able to have laparoscopic surgery.

Surgery can lead to scarring, which prevents laparoscopic instruments from safely passing into the area. Scarring may also prevent the abdominal wall from being pushed out of the way properly when the carbon dioxide is injected.

Images

Pelvic laparoscopy

Previous Section

Gynecologic laparoscopy Results

Next Section

Gynecologic laparoscopy Prevention

Review Date: 02/19/2008
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)