Laparoscopy is a common outpatient surgical procedure that allows the physician to view reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, ovary, and uterus, and diagnose conditions causing infertility including endometriosis and tubal blockage.

Procedure

The laparoscope is a small "telescope like" instrument that is placed through a small incision in the stomach, usually at the belly button. Small operative tools are inserted through another small incision at the pubic hairline. The laparoscope usually does not produce noticeable scarring.The abdomen is filled with gas causing it to expand making the internal organs more accessible.

Reproductive surgeons undergo extensive advanced microsurgical training with the laparoscope. They are able to perform many, if not most, fertility operations using the laparoscope, which dramatically reduces recovery time, pain cost, and adhesions/scarring.

Fertility specialists will usually treat conditions such as endometriosis during the diagnostic laparoscopy. This is one reason that a fertility specialist should perform the laparoscopy when infertility is suspected.