Keyhole examination of the pelvis - laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a keyhole examination of the pelvis.

It is used to get an overall picture of the state of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The procedure is used to:

  • remove cysts in the ovaries
  • examine passage in the fallopian tubes
  • recreate passage in the fallopian tubes after sterilisation
  • remove adhesions in the fallopian tubes
  • remove blocked fallopian tubes
  • examine for endometriosis
  • surgery for endometriosis
  • sterilisation
  • hysterectomy.

The examination takes about 30 minutes and you’ll have general anaesthesia. It’s performed by inserting a thin tube containing a microscope (laparocope) thorough a small hole next to our belly button. Then some air is blown in, to give a better overall view of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Depending on the examination or surgery to be performed, we’ll insert one or more other instruments through small holes in your abdomen.  
If surgery is necessary, a keyhole procedure is often to be preferred because the discomforts are minimal compared to traditional open surgery. There’s less bleeding, less risk of damaging tissue, less risk of adhesions, and less pain.