What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery. During a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon will use a laparoscope to see inside your body. A laparoscope is a thin tube that has a camera and a light attached to it. In the field of gynaecology, laparoscopic surgery can be performed to remove ovarian cysts, to perform tubal ligation and hysterectomies.

Do I need laparoscopic surgery?

A Laparoscopy is a procedure that’s useful in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. It is a procedure that helps get a closer look at the abdominal and reproductive organs. Your gynaecologist may recommend diagnostic laparoscopy for one of the following conditions:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian tumours
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Infertility
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cancer

Your gynaecologist may recommend laparoscopic treatment for one of the following reasons:

• Hysterectomy
• Ovary removal
• Ovarian cyst removal
• Fibroid removal
• Endometrial tissue ablation
• Surgery for incontinence
• Surgery for a prolapsed uterus

How does it work?

A laparoscopy procedure involves your surgeon making several very small incisions in your abdomen. The abdomen will then be inflated with a harmless gas to provide the surgeon with enough working and viewing space. A laparoscope will be inserted into your body through the incisions. This will allow your surgeon to see your organs and perform the surgery using the laparoscope as a guide. Your surgeon will also insert specialised tools through the incision, which will be used to perform the laparoscopic treatment. After the procedure, the surgeon will stitch close the incisions, and you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored.

What are the benefits?

Compared to traditional open surgery, recovery time is generally much faster with laparoscopic surgery because it is minimally invasive, and patients experience less pain and scarring.