Laparoscopy—keyhole surgery
Laparoscopy (also known as ‘minimal access surgery’, ‘keyhole surgery’, or ‘endoscopy’) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to look at your abdominal and pelvic organs through a small thin camera which is usually inserted through the bellybutton.
In many cases, laparascopy can replace the need for open surgery (or ‘laparotomy’), which involves a large cut in your abdomen.
With your permission, we photograph and occasionally film the procedure for reference
We can use a laparoscopy to investigate the cause of your symptoms—for example, pelvic pain, period problems, or fertility issues.
During the procedure, we will inspect the outside of the uterus, check for adenomyosis, look at the tubes, ovaries and surrounding organs such as bladder, ureters and intestine. We will inspect all of the above for abnormalities and signs of disease.
During laparoscopy, we can also treat some conditions. This usually requires extra small cuts on your tummy. There is usually a cut in your belly button and two or three small cuts lower in your belly to allow for this operation to happen.
We can use laparoscopy to treat the following:
- Certain types of fibroids.
- Check fallopian tubes.
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Pelvic pain.
- Scar tissue (which can be associated with pain or fertility).
- Tie your tubes.
Before surgery we will discuss the pros and cons of having this surgery performed in the first place. Depending on your situation, we may recommend you have a bowel preparation before surgery.
To book an appointment with a gynaecologist at Adelaide Obstetrics & Fertility, please call us on 08 8272 7755.