Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy – also known as keyhole surgery – is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgery involves using a slender lighted laparoscope to assess inside the pelvic area.
How does laparoscopy work?
During the procedure, a camera, or laparoscope, is inserted through a small incision into the abdomen. The laparoscope is fitted with a light source and video camera. Images of the abdominal and pelvic organs are displayed on a video monitor.
In most cases, laparoscopy can eliminate the need for open surgery, which involves a larger incision in the abdomen.
A single incision laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure and an optimal means of operating with minimum scarring. The benefits are less pain, less bleeding, shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic outcomes.
Uses
Laparoscopy can be used in following conditions and surgeries:
- Endometriosis, ovarian cysts & fibroids
- Intercourse pain & pelvic pain
- Infertility investigation & tubal patency
- Uterine prolapse & incontinence
- Hysterectomy & vaginal vault suspension
It is usually associated with less surgical related risks than open procedure.
Conditions that may be treated using laparoscopy include:
Endometriosis
Endometrium is the cell lining of the womb. Endometriosis is endometrial tissue that is found outside the uterus. It affects 1 in 10 women and takes 7-10 years to be diagnosed globally. It can be associated with irritable bowel disorder (30%) and adenomyosis, which is endometrial tissue in the wall of the uterus.
The most common places for endometriosis to occur include the lining of the pelvis, the ovaries, the bowel, and the uterus. Although it has been found in many places in the body.
Some women with endometriosis have few or no symptoms while others have pain or difficulty becoming pregnant.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are several treatment options. The best treatment depends on your individual situation.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. This surgical procedure is carried out when other treatments have not resulted in any desired improvements. Hysterectomy can be used for either non-cancerous or cancerous diseases.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacks either within or on the surface of an ovary. They mostly form during ovulation when an egg is released from the ovary. They are very common in premenopausal women and usually harmless; often causing little to no discomfort before disappearing on their own. Approximately 8% of premenopausal women develop large cysts which require treatment.
Incontinence Surgery
For women who do not respond to conservative treatment for urinary incontinence, surgery may offer a long-term solution. There are surgical options for both stress and urge incontinence. It should be noted that urinary incontinence surgery should be considered after childbearing is completed.
Laparoscopic Vaginal Pelvic Floor Repair
The pelvic floor, also known as the pelvic diagram, is a muscular partition that supports the pelvic organs. It is necessary for maintaining optimal pressure within the abdomen and ensuring a safe birth-passage.
Prolapse Surgery
There are various prolapse surgery options, including hysterectomy, native tissue repair, and autologous graft surgery.
Intercourse Pain
Painful intercourse or dyspareunia occurs in many women at some point in their lives. It is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing painful intercourse. Treatments focus on the underlying cause which can be physical or psychological.