Why is videotaping of the laparoscopic surgery important?
Regardless of the detail included in a dictated operative report (and most from laparoscopic surgery are not particularly detailed), a videotaped record of the entire procedure is by far the best record of what was found and what was done. This becomes extremely important if another physician becomes involved with your care, another surgery seems possible (the endometriosis “came back”), or symptoms leading to surgery do not resolve after the procedure. In addition, patients have a much better understanding of their diagnosis and surgical procedure if they have had the opportunity to review a video of the surgery. There is no better record. Generally speaking, gynecologists with extensive skill and experience in operative laparoscopy have no problem with videotaping a procedure for future review by ANYONE. Virtually every operating room with adequate and up-to-date laparoscopic equipment has the capability to videotape the procedure.
