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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
680 N. Lake Shore Drive #1200, Chicago, 60611 | Get Directions

Chicago, IL area patients ask, “What is laparoscopic abdominal surgery?”

Chicago, IL area women who are told by their doctor that they could benefit from laparoscopic abdominal surgery are often suffering from problems such as:

Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery in Chicago IL area
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Fibroids
  • Abnormal bleeding

Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is a procedure that can help women with these issues achieve a better quality of life.

What is laparoscopic abdominal surgery?

The team of doctors at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. is here to help patients learn more about their treatment options, and once they have decided on a procedure, what to expect. When women are told they can benefit from a laparoscopic abdominal surgery, they may have a lot of questions about what the procedure entails and what the recovery will be like following the procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery is used to examine and treat the organs in the abdominal area, including the pelvic and reproductive organs. This minimally invasive procedure is a low-risk way of addressing common problems with the use of very small incisions in the abdominal  area. A laparoscope, which is a small camera similar to a hysteroscope, is inserted into an incision made in the abdomen. Through the abdominal wall, the doctor is then able to use the light and camera to send images to a video monitor, allowing for diagnostics or treatment of growths that may be developing in the pelvis. It can also be used to take a biopsy that can be sent to pathology for further evaluation.

Laparoscopic abdominal diagnostics are often done when imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds have been unable to determine the source of the patient’s concerns, such as abnormal bleeding or unusual pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. If something is found during one of these imaging techniques, laparoscopic treatment may be done in order to remove the abnormal masses.

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Preparation for laparoscopic abdominal surgery

When patients are told they can benefit from a procedure with a laparoscope, they may need to take certain precautions prior to their procedure. For example, patients should discuss their full medical history with the doctor and consult with him/her regarding any prescription and non-prescription medications that are currently being taken. Some medications may need to be stopped prior to the procedure in order to reduce the risk of problems. This may include medications such as anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, and certain dietary or herbal supplements. Patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should disclose this to their doctor, as it may be a concern. Sexually active women may need to give a urine sample prior to their procedure so the doctor can be sure they are not pregnant.

Patients who are undergoing a laparoscopy will  also need to arrange appropriate transportation to and from the hospital.  This can be done with the help of a friend or family member. Since laparoscopy is  performed with general anesthetics, patients will be unable to drive or operate any large machinery for the remainder of the day following their procedure. Patients should also ask their doctor about avoiding food and beverages for approximately eight hours prior to the operation.

Recovery following laparoscopic abdominal surgery

Recovery following laparoscopic abdominal surgery in Chicago IL area

After the procedure, patients are advised to closely follow their post-operative instructions provided by the team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. to reduce the risk of infection and to recover faster. Patients usually go home 2-3 hours after surgery. More extensive surgeries may require a hospital stay.

Following the operation, patients may experience moderate pain and discomfort. This is often managed with the use of over-the-counter pain medications. This discomfort typically lasts a few days and is well-tolerated by most patients.

Discuss laparoscopic abdominal surgery today with your doctor

If you live in or near Chicago,  or in Northwest Indiana and are interested in discussing the benefits of laparoscopic abdominal surgery with any member of our team, we welcome you to book a consultation visit at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. by calling 312-440-9400. Our practice is located in Suite 1200 of 680 North Lake Shore Drive and is always accepting new patients.

Our team of experienced physicians includes Dr. Stanley Friedell, Dr. Abbie Roth, Dr. Regina Belmonte, Dr. Sharon Wise, Dr. Lisa Brunengraber, Dr. Julianne Morton, and Dr. Whitney Dunn.

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

    VIA Google