Problems that occur with a woman's reproductive organs sometimes cannot be found by a physical examination alone. Laboratory tests, Ultrasounds, X-Rays, may still leave some uncertainty. Frequently, problems that cannot be discovered by routine investigations can be discovered by laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, two procedures which provide a direct look at the pelvic organs. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used for both diagnostic (looking only) and operative (looking and treating) purposes.

Diagnostic laparoscopy may be recommended to look at the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and internal pelvic area. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to look inside the uterus. If an abnormal condition is detected during the diagnostic procedure, operative laparoscopy or hysteroscopy can often be performed to correct it at the same time, avoiding the need for second surgery.

You can read more about these procedures under the section on Minimally Invasive Surge