Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is an innovative way to diagnose and treat conditions of the female reproductive system. At Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN, laparoscopy is used to complete procedures like tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and the removal of cysts, endometriosis tissue, or fibroids. With locations in Newton and Walpole, Massachusetts, our practice offers women a wide range of women’s health services for acute and chronic conditions that may require laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure–it is an alternative to open surgery. It involves a surgical technique of small incisions in the abdomen that are usually smaller than one inch. Through these incisions, your physician can use a tiny instrument called a laparoscope—along with other tools—to diagnose conditions, remove tissue, or repair problems in your reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes).

Indications for Laparoscopic Surgery

When it comes to women’s health issues, doctors perform laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and treat several problems, including infertility, pelvic pain, or heavy periods. Your physician might recommend laparoscopic surgery to address conditions like:

Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Endometriosis
Pelvic floor disorders
Cancer
Tubal ligation

Laparoscopy might also be necessary if you need a hysterectomy. In that case, your physician can remove pieces of your uterus, one at a time, through the incisions on your abdomen.

In other cases, laparoscopy is necessary if you have an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg stays in your Fallopian tube instead of your uterus.
Laparoscopy can also be useful if you have issues with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Laparoscopy for Infertility

Laparoscopy can help a doctor diagnose many conditions that affect fertility, such as endometriosis, blocked Fallopian tubes, scar tissue build-up, fibroids, or other abnormalities of the reproductive system.

It allows your doctor to see inside the body to evaluate the structures of the reproductive system, including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and uterus.

Recovery Time from Laparoscopic Surgery

Since laparoscopy is a minimally invasive type of surgery, recovery time is fast, and you can usually go home the same day as your procedure. Depending on what issues your surgery addressed, you will need to follow specific aftercare instructions.

Most patients need to rest for a few days after laparoscopy, and they may experience some tenderness or pain where the doctor made the incisions. This discomfort usually subsides after a few days and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Although surgery isn’t something anyone looks forward to with great anticipation, laparoscopic surgery has made it easy for physicians to diagnose and treat numerous problems related to the female reproductive system rather quickly.

Done early enough, laparoscopy can help your physician provide you with the best treatment plan, no matter what your needs are.

Laparoscopy at Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN

If you would like to discuss laparoscopy with one of our OB/GYN physicians or would like to schedule your procedure, please call Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN in Newton at (617) 332-2345 or in Walpole at (508) 668-5555 For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.

Genetic Testing FAQs

Are you a candidate for genetic testing?

To help you assess whether you may benefit from hereditary cancer testing, you need to discuss your risk of cancer with your healthcare professional and ask for further evaluation.

How is genetic testing done?

Genetic tests are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid (if you are pregnant), or other tissue. The sample is then sent to a lab that specializes in genetic testing. The technicians look for specific changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins, depending on the suspected disorder. The lab returns the test results to the doctor who requested the test. It may take several weeks or longer to get the test results.

Does insurance cover genetic testing for cancer?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to pay for both genetic counseling and breast and gynecological cancer testing (e.g., Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) testing) for women who meet certain criteria. For these patients, insurance companies must cover the entire cost of genetic counseling and breast and gynecological cancer testing with no out-of-pocket costs to the individual.

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