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Laparoscopy
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as keyhole surgery or minimal invasive surgery.
How does it work?
During a laparoscopy, a small incision is made in the abdomen. A telescope with a light source and camera at one end is inserted into the abdomen to allow organs and tissues inside the abdomen and pelvis to be examined. General anaesthetic is used, so a patient is asleep during the procedure.
Who is a laparoscopy for?
Laparoscopies are used to diagnose many different conditions and investigate certain symptoms. For example, they may be used for:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a bacterial infection of the female upper genital tract, including the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Endometriosis – where small pieces of the womb lining (the endometrium) are found outside the womb
- Ectopic pregnancy – a pregnancy that develops outside the womb
- Ovarian cyst – a fluid-filled sac that develops on a woman’s ovary
- Fibroids – non-cancerous growths in or around the womb
- Unexplained infertility
- Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain
