This is a procedure performed under anaesthesia which requires two or three small skin incisions in the navel and in various places on the lower abdomen. The doctor inserts an endoscope (like a tiny telescope) into the navel, which enables him to gain a panoramic view of the abdominal cavity. With the aid of fine instruments introduced into the lower abdomen, the doctor is able to examine the internal organs carefully, collect tissue samples and directly destroy or remove any endometriosis sites by using a laser or electrical current.

The tissue samples collected are then analysed under the microscope, so that the diagnosis can be confirmed.

Diagnosis by laparoscopy Small sites, such as those in the image on the right, are often too small to be diagnosed reliably by imaging techniques. This is why it is very important to perform a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.