Using laparoscopy to evaluate endometriosis
What is a laparoscopy?
This “invasive” exploration procedure will not be proposed if previous exams such as a pelvic ultrasound or MRI have already confirmed the endometriosis.
A laparoscopy is performed in the following situations:
- Clinical suspicion of endometriosis not formally diagnosed through previous exams
- Treatment of pain or infertility when the results of a hysterography (radiology exam of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes) were not conclusive and insemination procedures using the male partner’s sperm are being considered
A diagnostic laparoscopy offers certainty in the case of asymptomatic endometriosis, when prior imaging exams fail to provide evidence of the disorder.
In addition, during a laparoscopy, biopsy tissue can be removed and then analyzed to confirm the endometriosis.
A laparoscopy also allows a complete exploration of the abdominal-pelvic cavity. In particular, it will show any adhesions between the ovaries and fallopian tubes. These adhesions, which are not visible on ultrasound or MRI images, can be treated during the laparoscopy and will inform the patient’s care regimen after the procedure.
Lastly, a laparoscopy is used to classify the lesions. This classification can then be shared with other medical professionals to facilitate decision-making based on thorough information.
