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Laparoscopy and dye test

This webpage will give you information about a laparoscopy and dye test. If you have any questions, you should ask your relevant health professional.

What is a laparoscopy and dye test?

A laparoscopy and dye test is an operation to help find out why you are having difficulty becoming pregnant. The dye test will show if your fallopian tubes are blocked. The laparoscopy will help find out if you have endometriosis, pelvic infection, adhesions, ovarian cysts or fibroids. Some minor treatments can be performed at the same time.

What are the benefits of surgery?

A laparoscopy and dye test may help your doctor find out the cause of your infertility.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

An x-ray called a hysterosalpingogram or an ultrasound test called HyCoSy can show if your tubes are blocked.

What does the operation involve?

A laparoscopy and dye test is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.

Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will place surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation (see figure 1).

The technique for laparoscopic surgery

Figure 1 - The technique for laparoscopic surgery

They will inject a dye, which passes through the cervix, uterine cavity and down the fallopian tubes.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications of any operation

Pain
Sickness
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots

2 Specific complications of this operation

Damage to internal organs
Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
Surgical emphysema
Failure to find out what the problem is
Failed procedure
Infection of the gynaecological organs or bladder

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

A member of the healthcare team will tell you the results of the laparoscopy and dye test and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

You should rest for the first one to two days.

Summary

A laparoscopy and dye test helps to find out the cause of infertility, particularly if the fallopian tubes are blocked. Some minor treatments can be performed at the same time.