Peritoneal Cavity
The peritoneal cavity (or abdominal cavity) is the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, stomach, liver, and reproductive organs.
The cells that line this cavity provide an environment where eggs can develop. It is also an area where the tube and the ovary can interact to allow the egg to be picked up and where the sperm and egg can interact with the fallopian tube.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure involving lighted scopes that are used to evaluate the pelvic organs for diagnostic or operative purposes.
The procedure can reveal information about fibroids, pelvic scar tissue (adhesions), the condition of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, appearance of the ovaries, and many other findings.
There are many reasons for having a laparoscopy performed. Some of these include:
- Pelvic pain
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic adhesions
- Ectopic pregnancy
- To evaluate the uterus
- To evaluate fallopian tubes
- Unknown reason for infertility
What to Expect
Laparoscopy is performed in the operating room with an anesthesiologist and your physician. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia.
Laparoscopy involves the following steps:
- An incision is made into the belly button (umbilicus). A needle is then inserted through this incision into the abdomen.
- CO2 gas (like the bubbles in soda) is used to create an air pocket in the abdomen.
- The insufflation needle is removed and a 10 to 12 mm trocar (hollow cylinder) is inserted through the incision.
- A camera is inserted into the abdomen.
- Once the abdominal wall has been inspected, a smaller trocar is usually inserted above the pubic bone.
- A manipulating instrument is used to move the abdominal contents around for inspection. Dye can be injected through the cervix to see if there is spill of the dye through the fallopian tubes.
When necessary, additional trocars and instruments can be used to perform operative laparoscopy.
Many operations — including cystectomies, myomectomies, and lysis of adhesions — can be performed laparascopically, which minimizes the patient’s recovery time. To learn more about these procedures, see Surgery.
Recovery
Recovery is often very rapid. Patients will have two to four incisions, each less than half an inch in length, which usually heal without difficulty.
Most patients are able to resume full activities within two to three days of laparoscopy. Some of the things patients may notice are a sore throat, abdominal discomfort, and shoulder pain. The shoulder pain is a result of the gas in the abdomen and a referred sensation to the shoulder.
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