Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique of performing a surgery through smaller incisions. A thin fibre-optic instrument called laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut. It allows visualisation of pelvic organs and also treatment of problems if detected.
Laparoscopy in gynaecology is used to check for any abnormalities in theuterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs which are not evident by other diagnostic procedures such as X-rays and other scans. Laparoscopy is used to diagnose and treat the conditions of pelvic pain, infertility, fibroids, cysts, tumours, endometriosis, ectopic (tubal) pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other gynaecological problems.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen below the navel through which the laparoscope is inserted. The abdomen is filled with a gas, usually carbon dioxide, which gives a clear view of the pelvic organs. Other incisions will be made to insert surgical instruments if any abnormalities are detected that require treatment. Once the treatment is complete, the incisions are closed. In most of the gynaecological procedures the procedure may take about thirty minutes.
You can continue taking your regular medications, unless your doctor advises.You may need to have a bowel preparation which will empty your bowel before the surgery. For this, you should be on a liquid diet (soups, jellies, juices or similar drinks) for 24 hours before the surgery. Avoid smoking and if you develop signs of illness prior to your surgery, please contact our office immediately.
You will be in the recovery room when you wake up from anaesthesia. You may feel sleepy for the next few hours. You may have pain in the shoulder or back which is because of the gas used in the procedure. It resolves within a day or two. You may have some discomfort or feel tired for a few days after the procedure. Contact your doctor if pain and nausea does not go away or is becoming worse. You should avoid heavy activities or exercise until you recover completely.
