Laparoscopic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV

The laparoscope is a versatile medical instrument that can be utilized for diagnostic purposes and to navigate through a surgical procedure. At Essential Women's Health Associates in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, we can view your reproductive organs during laparoscopy to search for unexplained infertility, check for growths and abnormalities, and give treatment when something is found. A laparoscope is a small fiber-optic tube with a light and camera that is inserted through very fine incisions, usually near your belly button. This takes place of the traditional open abdominal surgery with the incision that goes hip bone to hip bone to create a massive scar. If you have been referred to our practice or are looking for an OBGYN that specializes in unexplained gynecologic symptoms or infertility, we invite you to call and make an appointment at our office. We will set you up with a board-certified or board-eligible OBGYN who specializes in diagnosing and treating your symptoms. Request your next appointment today.

Women who seek our services have very specific symptoms that may not be explained by the usual gynecological testing or imaging. When all other options have produced no results, your OBGYN may recommend an exploratory surgery with a laparoscope. During a laparoscopy, we will look for:

• Deviations in the size, positioning, or shape of your reproductive organs (such as your uterus, ovaries, and cervix)
• Endometriosis
• Obstructed fallopian tubes
• Damaged or scarred tissue
• Uterine fibroids, cysts, or growths

There may be a combination of issues found from the laparoscopy. Once diagnosed, treatment can be performed at the same time (if appropriate).

Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV experience several benefits, including:

• Smaller incisions: The laparoscope only requires small incisions, resulting in less scarring in the treatment area.
• Faster recovery: Because the incisions are smaller, patients generally experience a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
• Less pain: Smaller incisions also mean less trauma to the body, which can result in less post-operative pain.
• Reduced risk of infection: With smaller incisions and minimal handling of tissues, there is a decreased risk of infection during laparoscopic surgery.
• More precise diagnosis and treatment: Essential Women's Health Associates uses state-of-the-art medical instruments and techniques to provide a more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of gynecological issues.

Prior to having a laparoscopy, we will instruct you on how to prepare for the procedure. We ask that you prep yourself as you would any other surgery by fasting for at least 12 hours and arrange for transportation home afterward. We will also discuss what is to be done surgically once a problem is found during the procedure. Your OBGYN will go over possible scenarios with you and what can be done to correct abnormalities or issues at the same time rather than scheduling a second procedure.

On the day of your laparoscopy, you will have your outpatient surgery with an IV general anesthetic. Once under, your OBGYN can begin the diagnostic portion of the procedure. Small incisions in your abdomen will be made to insert the laparoscope and medical instruments. A needle will be inserted into the abdomen and the cavity will be inflated with carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide (gas) for the greatest visibility of your organs. During a laparoscopy, your OBGYN may gather tissue samples, excise growths, or perform a procedure to treat the found issue using medical instruments or other surgical technologies (like electrocautery). Once finished, the gas and medical instruments will be removed from your abdomen. Your incisions will be stitched and properly bandaged.

During the procedure, the doctor may take tissue samples, remove cysts, or fix abnormal anatomy. The tools and the gas will be removed, and your small incisions will be stitched and bandaged. You will go into the recovery area where our post-op nurses will care for you, monitor your vital signs, and assist with your discharge until you go home.

You will have a follow-up appointment for your OBGYN to check your incisions and your general well-being. At this appointment, our team will be assessing you for surgical complications, such as blood clots, nerve damage, scar tissue, and hematomas at the incision sites. If you have any concerns or questions outside of your appointment time, please contact the office for assistance.

How do I prepare for laparoscopic surgery?
Preparation for laparoscopic surgery includes preoperative tests, such as blood work and imaging studies, to ensure you are fit for surgery. You will need to follow specific instructions provided by our team at Essential Women's Health Associates regarding eating, drinking, and medications before the procedure. Your surgeon will provide detailed guidelines to help you prepare.

How long does a laparoscopic surgery procedure take?
The duration of laparoscopic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and its complexity. Generally, laparoscopic surgeries can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Will I need follow-up care after laparoscopic surgery?
Yes, follow-up care is essential to monitor your recovery and ensure there are no complications. Our team in Las Vegas, NV will schedule postoperative visits to check the incision sites, assess your healing, and discuss any concerns you may have. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and follow your surgeon's instructions for a successful recovery.

Can I drive myself home after laparoscopic surgery?
No, you will not be able to drive yourself home after laparoscopic surgery, as the effects of anesthesia can impair your ability to drive. It's important to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

How do I care for my incisions after surgery?
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to care for your incisions. This usually involves keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding submerging the incisions in water until they have healed, and refraining from strenuous activities. It's important to monitor the incision sites for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

When can I return to work after laparoscopic surgery?
The time you can return to work will depend on the type of laparoscopic surgery performed and your individual recovery. Many patients can return to work within a week or two if their job is not physically demanding. However, if your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, your doctor may advise waiting longer before resuming work.

Laparoscopy may be used as a diagnostic or surgical tool for women, like you, with unexplained gynecological problems and infertility. When exams and traditional imaging for diagnostic purposes are not enough to diagnose the problem, we can turn to in-depth surgical means with laparoscopy. Our Essential Women's Health Associates practitioners can discuss your options with laparoscopy when you need further exploration. Call and schedule an appointment at our Las Vegas or Henderson, NV offices to discover more about this procedure.