You will be given medication to block the pain before the doctor begins the laparoscopy. The anesthesia used depends on the type of procedure, your doctor's advice, and your personal choice. General anesthesia is usually used so that you will not be awake. If local or regional anesthesia is used, you will be awake.

After the anesthesia is given, a small cut is made below or inside the navel. A gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, is usually put into the abdomen. The gas swells the abdomen so the pelvic reproductive organs can be seen more clearly. Your body will be tilted slightly with your feet raised higher than your head. This shifts some of the abdominal organs toward the chest and out of the way.

The laparoscope is placed through the cut. Another cut is often made above the pubic region. Through this cut, an instrument is used to move the organs into view. One to four small cuts may be made, 1/4 -1/2-inch wide. A device called a uterine manipulator surgery onto a television screen. This makes the image larger and easier for the doctor to see. These images can be photographed for later viewing.

Other surgical instruments can be inserted through the scope or through another small cut. Various types of instruments can be used:

• Mechanical surgical instruments, such as scissors forceps, and clamps.
• Electrosurgical instruments that use electric cur-rent through the laparoscope to perform surgery.
• Lasers that use a high-energy light beam to per-form the same procedures as electrosurgery.

After the procedure, the instruments are removed and the gas released. The cuts are then closed, usually with stitches that dissolve. In a few hours you can go home. You should plan to have someone take you home and stay with you, at least for awhile.