I have heard my doctors use two terms, laparoscopy and laparotomy. What is the difference?
A laparoscope is an important device in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and other reproductive system disorders. The instrument allows your surgeon to view your pelvic organs through a keyhole incision in the abdomen. The laparoscope also can aid surgery.
A laparotomy, on the other hand, is an open surgery involving an incision that is made through the abdominal wall either to conduct surgery or to inspect the condition of the pelvic organs. In instances when fibroids are especially large or have grown in a complicated fashion, your doctor may recommend a laparotomy to help preserve the integrity of the uterus, if you are considering a myomectomy.
Pam’s comment:
My doctor performed a laparotomy at Cedars-Sinai in order to remove the fibroid tumor, leaving my uterus and fallopian tubes intact. The following year, I developed fibroid tumors again and required another surgery.
In order to eliminate the bleeding, I tried birth control pills on my doctor’s recommendation. The pills were not an option for me due to my constant nausea. The next fibroid that developed required a laparoscopic procedure in order to alleviate the problem.