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Laparoscopy
7-minute read
Key facts
- A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery that allows your surgeon to see inside your abdomen (tummy).
- Keyhole surgery uses smaller incisions (cuts) than open surgery, which usually means you will have a faster recovery, less pain and less scarring.
- A laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many conditions.
- Possible complications from a laparoscopy include bleeding from the incisions, infection and blood clots in your legs or lungs.
- If your laparoscopy is delayed or not done, you may be more likely to need unplanned or open surgery later.
What is a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery on your abdomen (tummy). Keyhole surgery uses small incisions (cuts) to get through the skin and other tissues. Keyhole surgery is different to open surgery, where one or more large cuts are made.
Laparoscopy for diagnosis
Laparoscopy can be used to:
- assess female fertility
- diagnose endometriosis
- diagnose cysts
- examine cancer tissue
- take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) for testing
- search for the causes of abdominal pain or persistent pelvic pain
Laparoscopic treatment
Many treatments can be done via laparoscopy, including:
- removal of your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries
- removal of ovarian cysts or tumours
- removal of your gallbladder
- appendicectomy (removal of your appendix)
- repair of prolapse (when an organ has moved out of place) or hernia
- treatment of scar tissue
- bariatric weight loss surgery
What are the benefits of a laparoscopy?
A laparoscopy uses small incisions, rather than the large incisions used in open surgery. The benefits of this include:
- less pain
- smaller scars
- a shorter hospital stay
- a faster recovery
In many cases, laparoscopy also allows doctors to diagnose and treat a problem during the same procedure.
What does a laparoscopy involve?
Before your laparoscopy, you will be given a general anaesthetic so you are asleep before any incisions are made.
A laparoscopy usually follows these steps:
- A small cut is made in your abdomen. The cut is usually 1cm or smaller.
- A laparoscope (a thin tube containing a light and camera) is inserted into your abdomen and pelvis. The camera sends images to a monitor viewed by your surgeon.
- Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate your belly so the surgeon can see your organs clearly.
- More small cuts may be made for other small instruments to be inserted. The surgeon uses these tools to help with the treatment.
After your laparoscopy is finished:
- the gas is let out
- the instruments and tubes are removed
- the incisions are closed by stitches or skin glue and covered by dressings
Some stitches will dissolve themselves, and others will need to be removed. Ask your doctor about how to care for your stitches.
Who does the procedure will depend on what symptoms or condition you have. A laparoscopy can be done by a:
- general surgeon
- gynaecologist (women's health specialist)
- urological surgeon (a doctor who treats problems of the urinary tract, kidneys and genitourinary system)
All surgeons are specially trained doctors. They are registered with The Royal Australian College of Surgeons and the Medical Board of Australia.
How can I prepare myself for a laparoscopy?
Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the procedure. This will allow you to make an informed choice about your care.
If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, discuss them with the doctor beforehand. You can read more on preparing for surgery here.
Medicines and preparation
Make sure you tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, especially blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking any of your medicines before your procedure.
You will be given instructions on how to prepare for your procedure, such as when to stop eating and drinking. For some surgeries, you may also need to use a bowel preparation to completely empty your bowels.
How soon will I recover?
When you wake from the procedure, you may feel a little sore around the incisions. You may also have some pain in your shoulder — this is caused by the gas used to inflate your abdomen.
You may feel sleepy and even nauseous. These symptoms should not last long. After a few hours in a recovery unit, you are likely to be sent home. You may need to stay in hospital for a few nights.
You should not drive home after having a general anaesthetic. It's best to arrange for someone to pick you up or help you get home. Try to have someone with you for the next 24 hours so they can keep an eye on you.
When you go home you will be given care instructions. Make sure you know:
- if you can eat and drink normally
- how to manage your pain
- how to care for any dressings and stitches
- how long to wait before going back to your normal activities
- when to see a doctor for a check-up
What complications can happen?
Like any surgery, laparoscopy can have complications, such as:
- bleeding from the incisions
- infection
- damage to an organ or blood vessel
- blood clots in your legs or lungs
There is also a small risk of complications caused by the general anaesthesia, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- feeling disoriented
Sometimes the surgery becomes too difficult to perform as a laparoscopy. Your surgical team may decide to perform a laparotomy (a larger cut in the abdomen) during the procedure. This lets them properly assess or treat your problem.
After your procedure, call the hospital or your doctor immediately if you have:
- pain that is worsening or not improving
- increasing pain in your shoulders
- problems urinating (weeing)
- bleeding that is not improving
- a fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
- any other symptoms that you are worried about
Are there alternatives to a laparoscopy?
Your doctor may recommend other imaging tests if your condition can be diagnosed without surgery. Imaging tests may include:
In some cases, your doctor may recommend open surgery. This involves a larger cut than the small cuts used in keyhole surgery. Open surgery may be needed if:
- keyhole surgery is not suitable for your condition
- your surgeon needs better access to the area being treated
Talk to your doctor about the best approach based on your circumstances.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
What happens if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?
If your procedure is delayed or you decide not to have it, you may be more likely to:
- have ongoing symptoms
- need unplanned or emergency surgery later
- need open surgery rather than keyhole surgery
Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits if you are considering delaying your procedure.
Resources and Support
The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has information on different gastrointestinal conditions and procedures, such as:
Visit the Jean Hailes for Women's Health page to read about conditions such as:
You can review your surgeon's registration status at AHPRA. Use the register to search by the practitioner's name or profession.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.