Frequently asked fertility questions

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE A LAPAROSCOPY?

You may be asked to attend a pre-admissions clinic about a week before the laparoscopy. At the clinic, a nurse will measure your height and weight and take your temperature and blood pressure. You will be asked about your medical history, including the date of your last menstrual period, whether you have any crowns, if you have any allergies, including allergies to latex and you may have to provide a urine sample.

You may be measured for anti-thrombosis stockings, asked about your dietary needs and given handouts about the laparoscopy.

Before: Remember to...

• Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 12 hours. An empty stomach helps prevent vomiting during the procedure and reduces the risk of complications
• Use the suppository or enema you will have been given to empty your bowels.
• Remember to take your consent forms with you
• Leave your jewellery at home. Any jewellery you wear will need to be removed before the procedure
• Remove any body piercings, makeup and nail polish
• Take your glasses, contact lens or dentures case, as you will be asked to remove these before the procedure
• Wear loose fitting clothing, as you don't want anything rubbing against the incisions
• Take some sanitary towels with you. You are advised not to use tampons immediately after a laparoscopy
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you for 24 hours

Note: If you take daily medications, ask your doctor if you should take them the day before this test.

When you arrive at the hospital
Your blood pressure and temperature will be taken and you may be asked some of the same questions again that were covered at the pre-admissions clinic.

Before: About an hour before the test, you may be given a sedative to help you relax. You will change into a gown fastened at the back. You also may be given disposable underwear or stockings to wear. You will be asked to remove your glasses or contact lenses and dentures or a removable bridge. You will be taken down to theatre where the anaesthetist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein, normally in your hand or arm.

During: Once under general anaesthetic, a tube may be placed in your throat (endotracheal or ET tube) to help you breath and to protect your airway. A thin, flexible tube (urinary catheter) may be inserted through your urethra into the bladder. Some of your pubic hair may be shaved. Your abdomen and pelvic area will be cleaned with antiseptic.

The doctor may do a pelvic exam. A probe is inserted through your vagina into the uterus. This makes it possible for the doctor to move the uterus and ovaries to get a better view of the other organs.