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What is Laparoscopy?
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Laparoscopy is another term for keyhole surgery.
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Laparoscopy is an exploratory operation performed under general anaesthetic that allows the gynaecologist to inspect your pelvic organs - the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
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Why is Laparoscopy required?
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Laparoscopy may be done to find a cause or symptom that cannot be diagnosed by ordinary questioning and examination. A laparoscopy may be recommended if you have:
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- Suspected ectopic pregnancy
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Laparoscopy may also be used in performing operations such as:
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- Treatment of incontinence or prolapse
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How to prepare for a laparoscopy
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Preparation for this surgery includes fasting and no smoking. For some surgery you may be required to take medication to help empty your bowels. You will be told if this is necessary.
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About the operation
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Laparoscopy is performed under a general anaesthetic. This operation involves making a cut below the bellybutton (umbilicus). A needle will be inserted through this cut and your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas. This makes it easier for the gynaecologist to see your pelvic organs. A telescope (laparoscope) with a video attached is then inserted. Other instruments may be inserted through small cuts made just above the pubic hairline. At the end of the operation all the instruments are removed, the gas is let out and the skin cuts are closed using tape, sutures or clips.
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Complications
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No surgery is without risk, but the risks associated with this surgery are very small. The risk is greater for women who smoke, who are significantly overweight or who have other health problems.
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Some complications that may occur are:
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- Damage to the bowel, bladder, blood vessels or other organs
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- Infection of the uterus or insertion sites
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What happens afterwards?
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After your surgery you may feel:
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- discomfort and tiredness is common for up to five days
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- pain where the cuts were made
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- pain in the shoulder tip and rib cage. This is due to small amounts of gas remaining under the diaphragm
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- there may also be period type pains and a few days of vaginal bleeding or discharge.
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Pain relieving tablets may be taken if required.
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Once the symptoms have settled and you feel better you may commence your usual physical and sexual activity. If the symptoms do not settle, you should contact your local doctor.
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The results of the laparoscopy will be discussed with you before your discharge from hospital. If necessary further treatment will be arranged. An appointment will be made for you in the Gynaecology Outpatients Clinic as soon as it is convenient for you.
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If you have sutures or clips they need to be removed by your local medical officer on day 3 after your operation.
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If you need urgent attention after discharge you should contact your local doctor or the Emergency Department of The Royal Women's Hospital on (03) 9344 (03) 8345 3636.
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This fact sheet is also available in: Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Italian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese
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