Services
PROCEDURES
LAPAROSCOPY
What is a laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which is an alternative to open surgery. This surgical procedure that involves the gynaecologist using a thin tube that has a light and camera attached to it, called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is used to look inside the pelvic region.
When is a laparoscopy needed?
A laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat a gynecologic condition. Diagnostic laparoscopy may sometimes turn into a treatment.
Diagnostic laparoscopy may be recommended for:
- - Unexplained pelvic pain
- - Unexplained infertility
- - A history of pelvic infection
It may diagnose conditions such as:
- - Endometriosis
- - Uterine fibroids
- - Ovarian cysts
- - Ectopic pregnancy
- - Infertility
- - Reproductive cancers
- - Pelvic adhesions
Laparoscopic treatment may include:
- - Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus
- - Removal of ovarian cysts
- - Removal of uterine fibroids
- - Endometrial tissue ablation
- - Vault suspension used to treat a prolapsed uterus
- - Adhesion removal
- - Removal of the ovaries
- - Reversal of tubal ligation (a contraceptive surgery)
What does the procedure entail?
What does the procedure entail? Before the day of the procedure, you will be advised not to smoke, eat or drink anything, including water. During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia.
Your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide through a small needle. The gas helps keep the abdominal wall away from the organs in order to reduce the risk of an injury. An incision will then be made in your navel, and a laparoscope is then inserted to allow the gynaecologist to have a clear view of your internal organs. To diagnose a condition, the abdominal wall and organs will be examined. For surgery, more incisions will be made where surgical instruments will be passed through to treat the problem. After the procedure, the instruments will be removed, and the incisions will be stitched close.
Dr Rochelle Vatharajh is a family-friendly Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
based at Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban.
