A laparoscope is a thin, illuminated telescope which is inserted through a small incision in the umbilicus (belly button). This allows the surgeon to see and operate in the abdomen without having to use a long incision. Two or three smaller incisions are made along the sides of the abdomen, to allow passage of highly specialised surgical instruments.

Laparoscopic techniques allow surgery to be performed with less trauma to patients, and minimal damage to body tissues. This often means fewer days in the hospital and
less pain during recovery. Patients usually go home on the same day or the next morning.

Laparoscopic surgery can be used for several gynaecological conditions that previously used large incisions, such as ovarian cystectomy, treatment of endometriosis, division of adhesions, risk reducing surgery such as removal of tubes and ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer, ovarian drilling for polycystic ovarian syndrome and hysterectomy.

Mr Alak Pal will discuss the details of the procedure with you prior to surgery.