Laparoscopy and dye test

An Information Leaflet

May 2011

Every Patient Matters

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What is a laparoscopy and dye test? As part of your on-going fertility investigations you will need a laparoscopy and dye test. A laparoscopy is an examination of your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus (womb), using a laparoscope (a small telescope). At the same time a dye will be injected through your cervix (neck of the womb) to assess whether your fallopian tubes are blocked or not. This will provide us with information which will help with your fertility treatment... This procedure is normally carried out as a day case. You will receive confirmation of your operation date in the post, along with details about your pre-operative assessment.

What do I need to do to prepare for the test? It is important that you are well prepared for the procedure. Once you know the date of your operation, please ensure that during that menstrual cycle you have protected sexual intercourse from the date of your last period until your admission. This is to ensure that you are not pregnant when the procedure is carried out. The procedure is not carried out when you are menstruating so if you are on a period, phone to let us know and you will be given a new date for the operation. Please arrange for a family member or friend to bring you to the hospital, and collect you on the day of the test. It is very important that, by the time you are admitted for the procedure, you have completed certain fertility investigations, for example you must have a negative endocervical swab result for Chlamydia.

What happens during the test? Please follow the fasting instructions that you are given at your preoperative assessment. When you are admitted to the hospital you will be shown to a bed so that you can get changed for the procedure, and so that pre-operative Patient Information Leaflets On-line For information about Patient Services, contact Patient and Customer Services (PCS) on (0161) 419 5678

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checks can be carried out. Before the procedure you will be seen by the anaesthetist and the consultant or a member of his team. You will be given a general anaesthetic. A small cut is made (approximately 1cm) just below your navel (approximately 1cm). A small amount of gas will be inserted through this incision, to improve the view of your reproductive organs. The laparoscope (telescope) is then passed through the incision. The surgeon will examine your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus (womb). It may also be necessary to make one or two more incisions if further instruments are needed. At the same time a blue dye is injected through the cervix (neck of the womb) into the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. This will allow the surgeon to assess whether the fallopian tubes are blocked or not. The procedure is very quick and you will be back on the ward as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic. The procedure is not particularly painful, but you will be given pain relief during the procedure, and again when you wake up, should you need any. Following the procedure, many women experience lower abdominal discomfort, similar to period pains. You may also experience pain in your shoulder due to the dispersal of the gas that was used.

What happens after the test? After you have recovered (this will take approximately 4 hours) you will be allowed home. An adult family member or friend will need to collect you and take you home and look after you for at least 24 hours. You must not go home by public transport. It is important that you do not drive or operate machinery for at least 48 hours. Everyone recovers at a different rate, but most patients need 2-5 days off work to recover. Your incision may be closed with stitches or with Dermabond (see below). If stitches are used they will be dissolvable, and should dissolve

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within 2 weeks but may take longer following your procedure. Should they not dissolve please see the practice nurse at your GP surgery and have the stitches removed. Dermabond is a glue which may be used instead of stitches. This will not need to be removed. You should inspect your wound regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, soreness or discharge. Should you experience any lower abdominal pain, fever or offensive vaginal discharge in the week following your procedure, please see your GP. It is normal to have some blue vaginal spotting following the procedure. This is simply the dye that has been used to check if the fallopian tubes are blocked. Some women experience some light vaginal bleeding following the procedure. If you do, please use sanitary towels rather than tampons to avoid the risk of infection. The bleeding should settle within a few days.

When will I get the results? You will be given a discharge summary of your results. Details of the results and further management of your fertility will be discussed when you attend the clinic for follow up. You will have an appointment with the consultant 6-8 weeks after the procedure.

Are there any side effects or possible complications? There is a very small possibility of complications with this procedure such as, bleeding or injury to the bowel or bladder. If this occurs it may be necessary to perform a laparotomy, where a bigger incision is made in your tummy, to deal with the problem. This will mean a longer stay in hospital and a longer recovery period. Other complications include, scarring, hernia at the site of the incision, failure of procedure and blood clots.

Patient Information Leaflets On-line For information about Patient Services, contact Patient and Customer Services (PCS) on (0161) 419 5678

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Is there an alternative to surgery? An x-ray called a Hysterosalpingogram or an ultrasound test called Hyfosoy.

Our smoke free policy As per the smoke free law, smoking is not allowed by anyone anywhere on the hospital site. For further information, please read the patient information leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises'.

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Produced by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust© Review Date: March 2013 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, e.g. in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact PCS. Your local contact for more information is Patient and Customer Services at Poplar Suite, SHH, Tel: 0161 419 5678 or

www.stockport.nhs.uk

Patient Information Leaflets On-line For information about Patient Services, contact Patient and Customer Services (PCS) on (0161) 419 5678