Laparoscopy

Gynecologic laparoscopy is an alternative option to open surgery. This procedure has been used for more than three decades and utilises a laparoscope to look into the patient's abdomen. A gynecologic laparoscopy can be used both for diagnosing as well as treating a condition. This procedure allows a gynaecologist and obstetrician to examine the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the uterus.

A laparoscope is a thin, lighted telescope that aids the gynaecologist or obstetrician to view the inside of your body. Diagnostic laparoscopy can determine whether you may have conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, which also can be used as treatment.

Dr Essel may use miniaturised instruments to perform surgeries to:

Remove ovarian cysts
Perform surgical contraception which is called tubal ligation
Perform hysterectomy surgery
To perform the tubal ligation reversal procedure

In general, laparoscopy has a shorter recovery time than open surgery. Laparoscopy leaves smaller scars on the abdomen where the gynaecologist or obstetrician have made incisions.

The Procedure

Following steps will be followed during a laparoscopy procedure:

The patient will require a general anaesthesia
A urinary catheter will then be inserted
A small incision will be made in your navel
Abdomen would be filled with CO2 gas using a small needle
Then, the laparoscope will be inserted through the incision
The next step will depend upon the procedure type
After the procedure is completed, all the devices will be removed, and cuts will be stitched
The area will be bandaged

The patient will be sent for recovery. There may be some complications that patients should be aware of; Dr Essel, an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist in the East Rand, says that these serious complications are unlikely with a gynecologic laparoscopy.

However, one must call Dr Essel if experiencing the following:

Severe abdominal pain
Prolonged nausea/vomiting
Fever
Pus at the incision
Bleeding at the incision
Pain during urination
Pain during bowel movements

FAQ

A laparoscopy takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

You may most likely have pain for several days after laparoscopic surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks, you should feel much better.

A laparoscopy is performed to diagnose and treat endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, and causes of infertility. Removing fibroids, the uterus, ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy are common reasons for a laparoscopy.