Laparoscopy
Our Specialist
Laparoscopy
- A laparoscopy is a form of keyhole surgery.
- Laparoscopies require only a small incision and usually result in faster recovery and less pain than traditional surgery.
- Laparoscopies can be used for either diagnosis or for surgery.
- During a laparoscopy you will be under general anaesthetic.
- Laparoscopies can be performed as day surgery, so you may not need to stay overnight at hospital.
A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to inspect and operate on the organs inside the abdominal (belly) and pelvic area. Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis, by viewing the internal organs or taking a tissue sample. It may also be used to treat a problem surgically at the same time. It is performed under general anaesthesia, usually by a surgeon or gynaecologist. You’ll be unconscious during the surgery and won’t feel any pain.
Laparoscopic surgery has advantages over traditional surgery, including more rapid recovery, reduced pain and much smaller scars. If you have a laparoscopy, it often means you don’t need to stay in hospital overnight.
During laparoscopy a small cut is made in the abdomen. A thin tube containing a light and camera, known as a laparoscope, is then inserted to look inside the abdomen and pelvis. is used to inflate the belly so the surgeon can see the organs properly.
Laparoscopy is used to diagnose conditions or perform surgery in the abdominal and pelvic area. It can be used to:
- assess painful or heavy periods
- remove the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries
- diagnose or treat endometriosis
- diagnose or remove ovarian cysts and tumours
- assess female infertility
- treat ectopic pregnancy
- remove the gall bladder or parts of the intestine (for example, the appendix)
- take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) for testing
- search for the causes of abdominal or pelvic pain