Laparoscopy in Wellesley, MA | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we know that hearing you may need surgery can bring up a lot of questions, and even a little worry. That’s why we want you to know upfront that laparoscopy is one of the quickest ways to get answers and relief for many of your gynecologic symptoms and concerns. It’s minimally invasive, it’s precise, and for many of our patients, it’s the difference between weeks of recovery and being back to their lives in just a few days.
If you’ve been recommended a laparoscopic procedure, or if you’re simply curious about what one involves, we’re here to walk you through it with the same warmth and clarity we bring to every conversation in our office. To schedule a consultation in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000, or you can also request an appointment online.
What Is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows your doctor to look inside your abdomen and pelvis, and often treat what they find, without the large incision traditional surgery requires. Instead, your surgeon works through a few small incisions, typically less than half an inch each, using a thin, lighted camera called a laparoscope along with slender surgical instruments.
Because the incisions are so small, laparoscopy generally means less pain, less scarring, a lower risk of infection, and a faster return to your normal routine compared to open surgery. For many gynecologic conditions, it has become the gold standard of care, and it’s a technique our surgeons perform routinely and confidently.
Why Might I Need Laparoscopy?
There are many reasons you might be recommended a laparoscopic procedure, and it can be used both to diagnose and to treat. Some of the most common reasons we perform laparoscopy include:
Diagnostic Purposes
- Investigating unexplained pelvic pain
- Evaluating infertility when other testing hasn’t found a clear cause
- Getting a closer look at ovarian cysts, fibroids, or other pelvic masses
- Confirming or ruling out endometriosis
Treatment Purposes
- Removing ovarian cysts or fibroids
- Treating endometriosis by removing abnormal tissue
- Performing a hysterectomy using minimally invasive techniques
- Addressing ectopic pregnancy
- Tubal ligation or other permanent birth control procedures
- Removing scar tissue that may be contributing to pain or fertility concerns
Whatever the reason you’re here, know that laparoscopy allows your surgeon to address many of these issues with far less impact on your body than traditional open surgery would require.
What Should I Expect During a Laparoscopic Procedure?
Understanding what happens on the day of your surgery can go a long way toward easing any nerves. To begin, you’ll receive specific instructions from your care team, which typically include fasting for a certain number of hours beforehand and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward. We’ll walk you through anything specific to your procedure so there are no surprises.
Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free throughout. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen, one near your belly button and sometimes one or two others depending on your procedure. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate your abdomen, creating space for your surgeon to see clearly and work safely. The laparoscope is inserted through one incision, projecting a magnified view onto a monitor, while specialized instruments are used through the others to complete the procedure.
Most laparoscopic procedures take between thirty minutes and a few hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Many patients go home the same day, though some procedures may require a short overnight stay. You may feel groggy from the anesthesia and experience some discomfort from the gas used during surgery, this is normal and typically resolves within a day or two.
What Does Recovery After Laparoscopy Look Like?
One of the greatest benefits of laparoscopy is how much easier recovery tends to be compared to open surgery. That said, every body and every procedure are different, and we’ll give you personalized guidance based on exactly what was done.
We’ll send you home with clear aftercare instructions, and our team is always just a phone call away if something feels off or you simply have a question.
In general, you can expect:
- Mild to moderate soreness around your incision sites for a few days
- Possible bloating and shoulder pain may occur as your body absorbs the gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery.
- A return to light activities within a few days
- A return to work and normal routines, for many patients, within one to two weeks
- Full recovery, including a return to more strenuous activity, typically within three to four weeks
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Laparoscopic Surgery?
Choosing a surgeon is a deeply personal decision, and we don’t take that trust lightly. Our team brings decades of experience in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, paired with a genuine commitment to making sure you feel heard, informed, and cared for at every step.
We believe that surgery, even routine surgery, should never feel routine to you. From your very first consultation through your final follow-up, you’ll be treated as a whole person, not a procedure on a schedule. We take the time to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and make sure you feel confident in the plan we build together.
Schedule Your Laparoscopy Consultation Today
If you’re dealing with pelvic pain, an unclear diagnosis, or a condition your provider believes laparoscopy could resolve, we’re ready to talk it through with you. To schedule a consultation in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
Laparoscopy FAQs
Is laparoscopy considered major surgery?
Laparoscopy is generally considered minimally invasive, not major, open surgery. While it still requires general anesthesia and involves real surgical risk, the small incisions mean less trauma to your body, less pain, and a significantly faster recovery than traditional open procedures.
How long will I be under anesthesia?
The length of time depends entirely on what your specific procedure involves, but most laparoscopic surgeries take between thirty minutes and two to three hours. Your surgeon will give you a more precise estimate based on your individual treatment plan.
Will I have visible scarring?
Laparoscopic incisions are typically less than half an inch long, and they fade significantly over time. Most patients find their scars are barely noticeable within several months to a year.
Can I go home the same day?
Most laparoscopic procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day. Some more involved procedures, like certain hysterectomies, may require a short overnight stay for monitoring. We’ll let you know what to expect ahead of your surgery date.
When can I return to exercise or intense physical activity?
Most patients are cleared for light activity within a few days and can gradually return to more strenuous exercise within two to four weeks after surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance, since recovery timelines can vary based on the procedure performed.