Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy, also referred to as minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical procedure in which a fiber-optic instrument called the laparoscope is used in place of invasive exploratory surgery. For the purposes of fertility diagnostics, these instruments are inserted through the abdominal wall via small incisions in the skin, with a small camera attached to view pelvic anatomy, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Carbon dioxide gas is used to fill the abdomen to allow visualization.
This surgery is performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. It is an outpatient procedure, though general anesthesia is used.
What it Diagnoses: This procedure can help doctors diagnose fibroids and other structural abnormalities, adhesions, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and blocked fallopian tubes.
What it can Treat: In some cases laparoscopy can also be used to treat the above issues. It can also be used to treat ectopic pregnancies.
Bring along with you: Since a general anesthetic is used, you will need to bring a family member or friend to drive you home.
Note: Many people experience cramping and some discomfort from this procedure. Confirm with your Doctor what type of pain relief medication you are allowed to take and whether a prescription will be provided.
A few more things to keep in mind:
- As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with laparoscopy. About 2 of every 100 may develop a complication, typically minor. The most common are bladder infections and skin irritation.
- Adhesions may develop within the abdomen after the surgery.
- Other risks include the risk of anesthesia, bleeding, infection and damage to the bowel, bladder, ureters, uterus, major blood vessels or other organs.
For additional information you can visit the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Step 4: Take a deep breath:
Did you know that focusing on deep breathing reduces stress? But what does take deep breaths really mean?
Pause take notice of your breath see video for techniques you might try:
Belly breathing pulls more oxygen to the brain, which helps us regulate our emotions and make better decisions during stressful times. When we belly breath it slows down the amygdala, the emotion center of our brain, and increases the activity in the frontal lobes, our decision making center. When our brain is depleted from oxygen we can’t think straight, so breathing allows us to make better choices!
How to do it:
1) Settle into a comfortable position, either sitting tall in a chair or laying down
2) You can open or close your eye
3) Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest
4) Take several slow deep breaths: breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth
Notice which hand is moving ….the one on your belly or on your chest
5) NOW Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. … hold it for a couple seconds.. then breath out through your mouth and let your belly flatten
6) If your mind wanders its ok, try to refocus on your breathing
Try this twice a day, taking 3-10 deep belly breaths.
