Diagnostic Laparoscopy

What Is Diagnostic Laparoscopy?

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows your provider to view the inside of your pelvis using a small camera. It’s done through tiny incisions in the abdomen and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes under general anesthesia.

We use this procedure to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures. It helps us identify or rule out conditions that might not show up clearly on an ultrasound or CT scan.

If you’ve been dealing with pelvic pain, unexplained symptoms, or abnormal imaging results, diagnostic laparoscopy can help provide real answers. At Balance Medical in Bismarck, ND, we use this minimally invasive procedure to get a closer look at your reproductive organs and figure out what’s really going on so you’re not left guessing.

Why It’s Done

Diagnostic laparoscopy is often the next step when symptoms don’t match what shows up on imaging or labs. It gives us a clear, real-time look so you can finally get answers that make sense.

Common reasons we perform diagnostic laparoscopy include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Suspected endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts or masses
• Unexplained infertility
• Abnormal bleeding or irregular periods
• Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Concerns after abnormal imaging results

If we do find something during the procedure (like endometriosis or cysts) we can often treat it during the same surgery.

What to Expect

Here’s how the process typically goes:

Before the Procedure
You’ll meet with your provider to go over your symptoms, imaging results, and what we’re hoping to learn. We’ll walk you through every step so you feel informed, supported, and in control. You will never be rushed or talked over…this is your body, and you deserve answers you can trust.

During the Procedure
You’ll be under general anesthesia. A few small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the laparoscope (a tiny camera) is inserted to view the pelvic organs. If needed, additional tools can be used to take a biopsy or treat visible problems.

Timeline

Typically a few days

Recovery & Aftercare

Most women go home the same day. Recovery usually takes a few days, with some soreness in the abdomen and shoulders. You might feel bloated or tired at first, but most people are back to normal within a week.

We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect, what’s normal, and how to stay comfortable as you heal.

Is It Only for Diagnosis?

Not always. In many cases, we’re able to treat what we find during the procedure. For example, we can remove ovarian cysts, release scar tissue, or treat areas of endometriosis…all without needing a second surgery.

We’ll always discuss this in advance so you know what’s possible during the procedure and what decisions we’ll make together if we find something unexpected.

Our Testimonials

“I have never met a more caring team of professionals! These women are dedicated to making their patients heard at every single visit. They make each encounter feel like you’re speaking with an old friend.”

“Dr. Rhonda is the best! Comfortable, confident care is not just a tagline. She is personable, knowledgeable, and thorough. I would gladly recommend Balance Medical to anyone!”

“My wife loves the staff at Balance Medical and Dr. Rhonda Schafer-McLean provided her a wonderful experience during her visit.”

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When to Schedule

If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain, irregular cycles, or unexplained infertility and feel like no one’s been able to give you answers, it may be time to consider laparoscopy. It’s a safe, minimally invasive way to get clarity and potentially relief.

Straight Answers, Less Guesswork

At Balance Medical, we don’t believe in brushing off symptoms or telling you “everything looks fine” when clearly something doesn’t feel right. Diagnostic laparoscopy gives us a real-time look at what’s going on, and gives you a better sense of what to do next.

Ready to talk about whether this is the right step for you? Call us to schedule a consultation.