Laparoscopy, or key hole surgery in gynaecology is when a camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity to assess the female pelvic structures - the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, the surrounding pelvic structures and surfaces.
There are various indications for a laparoscopy:
- assessment for pelvic pain and endometriosis
- surgery to remove an ovarian cyst or a diseased ovary
- investigation of Fallopian tube patency in infertility cases, or removing a diseased tube prior to embarking on an IVF cycle
- excision of scar tissue or adhesions that may be causing pain
- sterilization - tubal clipping or tubal interruption surgery as a permanent form of contraception
- Laparoscopic myomectomy (keyhole removal of large uterine fibroids)
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic uterosacral-cardinal ligament colposuspension (Lap USL)
The benefits of key-hole surgery include lesser post operative pain, quicker recovery and return to functionality, and a shorter hospital stay.