A laparoscopy is an operation performed under a general anaesthetic, which involves looking at the organs within your pelvis and abdomen with a thin telescope called a laparoscope. It is sometimes referred to as keyhole surgery. It is done to find the cause of problems such as pelvic pain, painful periods, infertility or painful sex. It can also be performed for sterilisation, removal of small cysts or fallopian tubes. It can also be used to treat adhesions and endometriosis (lining of the womb growing elsewhere).
A laparoscopy can help your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms. There are times when a cause cannot be found. If this is the case your doctor can reassure you that your pelvic organs appear healthy.
Are there any alternatives to surgery? It may be possible to find out the cause of your symptoms using a scan. Your doctor can discuss this option with you. Scans cannot diagnose all conditions and a laparoscopy may still be suggested even if the scan is normal.
You will usually be admitted as a day case. The operation requires a small cut made just below your 'tummy button' and a fine needle is inserted. This is used to fill your abdomen with gas to provide space around your organs so that your womb, tubes and ovaries can be seen clearly. The laparoscope is then passed through, with a camera attached. Another one or two small cuts a few inches lower may be needed to help get a good view of your pelvis or to perform keyhole surgery.
If the operation is being done for infertility problems, a blue dye is put through the neck of the womb and will be seen coming out of the fallopian tubes to check that they are not blocked. The instruments are then removed, the gas taken out and the cuts stitched. The operation takes approximately 10-20 minutes.
Every operation and anaesthetic carries a small risk of complications. Very rarely an internal organ or blood vessel may be damaged during the operation which would be corrected immediately. This would involve making a larger cut to assess the damage and correct the problem. Infection and blood clots are other complications. There are times when it may be difficult to get a good view of the organs. If this is the case your doctor will discuss further options.
It is usual to have abdominal pain and sometimes nausea, following the operation. Pain relief in injection or tablet form will be given to you, and something for nausea if needed. Some women complain of pain in the shoulders and ribs, which may be due to a small amount of gas being left in the abdomen. Also your tummy may be swollen. Your body will absorb the gas, to relieve the symptoms.
After the operation you will be taken to the recovery area. Normally you will be discharged on the same day if you are on your feet, have passed urine, had some light food and feel well enough for discharge. A responsible adult should take you home by car or taxi and stay with you for 24 hours.
You may have period like cramps and discomfort in your shoulders and ribs for a few days. You should rest for 24-48 hours and take painkillers when needed. It is important to move around regularly to help prevent complications such as blood clots in the legs. You may have slight vaginal bleeding for a few days and should use pads rather than tampons to avoid the risk of infection.
Gradually get back to normal activities during the next few days. You can start swimming and exercising after three weeks. Avoid sex for four to six weeks, to help prevent problems with infection.
You should be fit to go back to work after one week. If you have a job that involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity you may need up to two weeks off work.
Do not drive until the abdominal soreness has settled. Before driving you should ensure that you are able to perform an emergency stop, have the strength and capability to control the car, and be able to respond quickly to any situation that may occur. Please be aware that driving whilst unfit may invalidate your insurance.
Your stitches will usually dissolve and drop out after a few weeks. Bruising around the wound is normal. Any concerns about discharge or swelling should be reported to your GP surgery. Keep the wound clean with a daily bath or shower and dry well with a clean towel.
You may or may not require a hospital follow up visit and this will be discussed with you prior to your discharge after your surgery. If you develop problems or require advice following discharge you should initially contact your GP.
Most women will recovery well from their procedure. However occasionally there are problems. If any of the following occur it would be best to seek advice (contact numbers are shown below)
This may be due to a urine infection. You will be advised if you need antibiotic treatment.
this may be caused by a wound infection. You will be advised if you need antibiotic treatment.
if you also have a temperature (fever), have lost your appetite and are vomiting, this may be caused by damage to your bowel or bladder, in which case you will need to be admitted to hospital.
this may be caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have shortness of breath, chest pain or cough up blood, it could be a sign that a blood clot has travelled to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.
Please contact your GP initially if you have any medical concerns following your discharge home.
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