Laparoscopy
What is a Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a procedure under general anaesthesia that allows the surgeon to look at the organs inside the patient’s abdomen and pelvis. A slender tube called a laparoscope is inserted into the patient’s abdomen through a small incision.
The Laparscope is fitted with a light and video camera. Images of abdominal and pelvic organs are displayed on a video monitor. The procedure may be recorded and photographs are taken.
Laparoscopy is also known as minimal access surgery or keyhole surgery. Single cut laparoscopy is also available, allowing us to reduce pain and promote faster recovery times for our patients.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Diagnostic Laparoscopy can be used to investigate the cause of symptoms such as;
- Pelvic pain
- Period problems
- Infertility
- Endometriosis
Operative Laparoscopy
During keyhole surgery, the surgeon can treat some conditions. This is called operative laparoscopy. Using additional incisions, the surgeon can insert specialised surgical instruments into the abdomen. Operative laparoscopy may be used to treat;
- an ovarian cyst
- Endometriosis
- some types of uterine fibroids
- blocked fallopian tubes which can cause infertility
- an abcess
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)
- some types of bladder problems
- prolpase of the uterus or bladder
- Urinary incontinence
- Adhesions
Operative Laparoscopy may also be used to;
- perform tubal sterilisation
- perform some types of hysterectomy
- take biopsies
- remove an IUD
Mi-tec Medical Publishing (30January2006) – The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – LAPAROSCOPY
