Laparoscopy and Dye Test

A laparoscopy and dye test, also called a lap and dye test, is a minimally invasive operation that is used to help doctors find out the gynaecological reasons for your difficulty in becoming pregnant.

The dye test is used to show if your fallopian tubes are blocked and the laparoscopy finds out if you have any gynaecological conditions that affect fertility such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, adhesions (scar tissue from previous surgery), ovarian cysts, pelvic infection and fibroids.

It is performed under general anaesthetic. Small cuts are made through your belly button and on either side of the lower part of your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into your abdomen so that it expands and your doctor can better inspect your pelvic organs, including your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, easier.

A narrow tube with a camera and light on one end, called a laparoscope, is inserted through your abdominal wall.

Blue dye is passed through the opening of your womb and into your womb and both fallopian tubes to check if they are open or if they have any blockages.

Some minor treatments can be performed at the same time.

Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard to assess a woman’s pelvic health, check if her fallopian tubes are open or blocked and confirm the presence of scar tissue called adhesions. However, laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery that uses general anaesthetic to complete the procedure.

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) x-ray evaluates the shape of a woman’s uterus, detects small fibroids or polyps, and checks if her fallopian tubes are open. It uses X-ray scanning in an outpatient setting to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. A HSG may be performed in patients who have not had previous tubal problems.

A laparoscopy and dye test and HSG complement each other as they assess whether fallopian tubes are open in different ways.

For example, sometimes a HSG is used to follow up a lap and dye test to confirm that the fallopian tubes are open if, although everything appears healthy, the dye is not seen entering the tubes and may indicate they are blocked. A HSG scan would clarify the results. If dye is seen flowing through both fallopian tubes during the HSG, it can be safely assumed that tubal muscle spasm was the reason the dye was not seen entering the tubes during the laparoscopy.

Yes, a laparoscopy can increase the chance of pregnancy in women when minor treatments are performed at the same time. This can include treating endometriosis and uterine fibroids, removing adhesions and unblocking fallopian tube or tubes.

Your stomach might be swollen for several days after the laparoscopy surgery.

You should expect to make a fast recovery following your laparoscopy and dye procedure. This will vary from patient to patient and also if your surgeon performed treatment at the same time as your procedure.

You will be able to go home from the hospital the same day or the day after.

We will let you know the results of your procedure and discuss any treatment or follow-up you need.

We advise you to rest for a day or two following your lap and dye test. Some people feel able to return to their usual daily activities after three days and others, especially those who have had treatment at the same time, may take a couple of weeks to feel back to normal and able to work again.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your procedure following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your laparoscopy and dye procedure will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. A laparoscopy and dye test is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your lap and dye procedure.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment and aftercare you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for your treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.