What is laparoscopy?
This is a diagnostic procedure performed under a general anaesthetic to assess the pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes).
Laparoscopy is an operation performed in the abdomen or pelvis through small incisions with the aid of a camera. The laparoscope aids diagnosis or therapeutic interventions with a few small cuts in the abdomen. There are a number of advantages to the patient with laparoscopic surgery versus an open procedure. These include reduced pain due to smaller incisions and haemorrhaging, and shorter recovery time.
Benefits
Most gynaecological surgery is currently performed laparoscopically (keyhole). The best, clinically proven, advantages include a reduction of adhesions (scar tissue) inside the abdomen and a faster return to normal activities. There is also the added advantage of minimal scars on the skin, usually only 5mm in size. Laparoscopy is also a perfect diagnostic tool in case of infertility. It detects anatomical abnormalities related to reproductive pathologies; it is also the most accurate method of checking the patency of fallopian tubes.
What is laparoscopy used for in women with infertility?
This procedure allows us to determine whether there are any defects such as scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroid tumours and other abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
If any defects are found then they can sometimes be corrected with operative laparoscopy which involves placing instruments through ports in the scope and through additional, narrow (5 mm) ports which are usually inserted at the top of the pubic hair line in the lower abdomen.
Because of the cost and invasive nature of laparoscopy it should not be the first test in the couple’s diagnostic evaluation. In general, semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram, assessment of ovarian reserve and documentation of ovulation should be assessed prior to consideration of laparoscopy. For example, if the woman has a clear ovulation problem or her male partner has a severe sperm defect then it is unlikely that laparoscopy will provide additional useful information that will help them conceive.
Our procedures in Laparoscopy
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for the investigation of infertility or pelvic pain
- Laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis removal of endometrioses
- Laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts with minimal damage to the ovary
- Ovarian drilling- treatment for polycystic ovaries
- Laparoscopic removal / repair of damaged tubes – treatment of ectopic pregnancy
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Removal of fibroids, ovaries
- Operations inside the uterus- division of septum, adhesions for fertility optimisation
Removal of polyps inside the uterus using superfine instruments
