Laparoscopy Surgery

Why Consider Gynaecological Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy can be used to investigate fertility and pelvic pain and a range of common gynaecological problems which various conditions may cause.

Laparoscopy investigate gynaecological abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs, which are not evident by other diagnostic procedures such as X-rays and other scans. Specifically it helps in assessing the exact cause of the pain, such as:

• presence of scar tissue,
• endometriosis
• infections,
• ovarian cysts,
• gastrointestinal problems,
• urinary problems,
• musculoskeletal problems and
• other conditions.

What is a Laparoscopy Surgery?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using a laparoscope, a thin fibre-optic instrument with a camera and lens attached to it. Laparoscopes can be used for diagnosing and treating various conditions. 

Laparoscopy is used to diagnose and treat the conditions of

• pelvic pain - including adhesions
• infertility,
• fibroids,
• cysts,
• tumours,
• endometriosis,
• ectopic (tubal) pregnancies,
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• other gynaecological problems.

Laparoscopy is used to investigate and treat a wide range of gynaecological presentations and can be used to investigate fertility. Pelvic pain is one of the common gynaecological problems which various conditions may cause.

Laparoscopy helps in assessing the exact cause of the pain, such as:

• presence of scar tissue,
• endometriosis
• infections,
• ovarian cysts,
• gastrointestinal problems,
• urinary problems,
• musculoskeletal problems and
• other conditions.

About Laparoscopy Procedure

A laparoscopy is performed in a Day Stay Unit, and the woman is under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Turner makes a small incision in the abdomen, usually at or below the belly button, and inserts a tube through which the laparoscope is introduced into the abdomen.

The laparoscope helps examine the pelvis, and the images from the camera are projected onto a large screen for Dr Turner to view. Other small incisions (about 5mm) are made and used to insert small instruments to assist in carefully examining the entire pelvic and abdominal area - including the bladder, rectum, appendix, liver, stomach, and diaphragm.

A special contrast dye may also be injected through the cervix during the procedure to confirm the patency of the fallopian tubes.

After the procedure, the incisions are closed with stitches and bandages.

Post Operative Expectations

It is common to experience right shoulder tip and upper chest pain for about 24 hours after a laparoscopy. This is referred pain from the gas which is trapped under the diaphragm. It is common to experience a bloated sensation and sharp, shooting pains for about three days. Most women will feel tired for about five days. You can expect to return to work after about seven days.

Dr Turner will talk with you after the laparoscopy to briefly discuss how everything went and to make sure you are OK. Dr Turner will review you within seven days to check your progress and discuss the recent procedure in more detail - including laparoscopic pictures and pathology results.

Post Operative Care

The best advice is to take it easy for 7 days. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. There will be four cuts (from the small keyhole incisions), covered with waterproof dressings.

You can have a shower or a bath. You will be given spare dressings from the hospital to allow you to change the dressings if required.

Laparoscopy Complications

Like all surgical procedures, laparoscopic procedures may be associated with certain complications, which include:

• Complications of the anaesthetic
• Bleeding/rarely need for a blood transfusion
• Some women can have problems emptying the bladder for a short period
• infection at the surgical sites, urinary tract, chest or pelvis.
• Injury to bladder, ureter, bowel or blood vessels
• Blood clots

The advantages of laparoscopic procedures, when compared to open laparotomy, include:

• Reduced hospital stay
• Smaller incisions and less scarring
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery
• Enhanced view of pelvis and abdomen
• Less Risk of adhesions