What surgical procedure is typically performed to confirm endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is the standard surgical procedure performed to confirm endometriosis. This minimally invasive technique allows the surgeon to directly visualize the pelvic cavity and reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, through small incisions in the abdomen. During laparoscopy, the surgeon can identify endometrial tissue located outside the uterus, which is characteristic of endometriosis. If endometriosis is suspected based on symptoms or imaging studies, laparoscopy not only enables diagnosis but can also facilitate treatment, such as the removal of endometrial lesions.

In contrast, while a laparotomy is another surgical approach, it is more invasive and typically reserved for cases where larger interventions are needed. Hysteroscopy focuses on visualizing the interior of the uterus and would not adequately assess the pelvic cavity where endometriosis typically manifests. Colposcopy is used primarily for examining the cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormalities and is not relevant for diagnosing endometriosis. Thus, laparoscopy is the preferred method for both diagnosing and managing endometriosis.