Frequently asked fertility questions

During the laparoscopy, a cut (incision) about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) to 1 in. (2.54 cm) long is made in your navel, above your pubic bone and sometimes on either side of your abdomen. A hollow needle is inserted through the navel and gas (carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide) is slowly injected through the needle to inflate the abdomen. The gas creates a viewing space by lifting the abdominal wall away from the organs inside.

A thin, lighted viewing scope (laparoscope) is then inserted through the incision to view the organs. They will be looking for cysts, endometriosis, adhesions, fibroids and infection that can affect fertility. Other instruments (such as small scissors, forceps, or a laser) can be inserted through other incisions to collect tissue samples, repair damage, or drain cysts.

They may inject dye into your fallopian tubes and watch that it spills out at the top to make sure they aren't blocked. After the procedure, the scope will be removed and the gas will be released. The incision(s) will be closed, sometimes with a few internal stitches that will dissolve or sometimes they are glued. The incision is then covered with a dressing. The scar, if visible, will be very small after the incision heals.

Afterwards: A Laparoscopy takes 30 to 90 minutes. After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room and watched closely until you have recovered from the anaesthetic. Your blood pressure will be monitored. You may have a drip afterwards this normally contains some sort of pain relief and something to prevent nausea (from the anaesthetic). You will be given painkillers both at the clinic and for use at home.

You may have a sore throat if they used a tube to help you breathe. You can also get an aching shoulder this is caused by the gas irritating your diaphragm and the pain is transferred to your shoulder.

You will not be allowed to go home until you have eaten and passed urine. Unless otherwise advised, you can resume normal activities within a day, but you should avoid strenuous activity or exercise for about a week.

Notify your doctor if you notice:

• Bleeding or other discharge from the stitches


• Fever


• Severe abdominal pain


• Hoarseness in your voice that lasts more than a few days or continues to get worse

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