What to expect from diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain

The surgeon makes small openings in the abdomen and inserts a camera, usually after gently inflating the abdomen with gas to create viewing space. They inspect structures such as the uterus, ovaries, tubes, and surrounding pelvic tissue. If a finding needs treatment, additional instruments may be used only when this was discussed and consented to.

The procedure can help look for conditions such as endometriosis, scar tissue, or another visible source of pain, but a normal-looking pelvis does not make your pain unreal. Pain can have more than one contributor, so results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and other examinations.

Follow instructions about fasting, medicines, and washing before surgery. Arrange an adult to take you home if requested and remain with you during the early recovery period. Sore abdominal muscles, bloating, tiredness, and pain near the shoulder can follow the gas used during the operation. Keep wounds clean and dry as instructed, take prescribed pain relief, walk gently, and avoid lifting until the team advises.

Call the surgical team for increasing wound redness, swelling, discharge, persistent vomiting, fever, worsening pain, or trouble passing urine. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, breathing difficulty, or a swollen painful leg.

Ask what causes of pain the operation is intended to assess, whether biopsy or treatment might occur, how your wounds should be cared for, and when the findings and pathology will be reviewed.