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Laparoscopy is done with a slender telescope-like instrument, called a laparoscope. It allows your doctor a direct view of the pelvic organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
It can be used to diagnose a vast majority of gynaecological conditions, which sometimes cannot be detected via X-ray, ultrasound or other tests.
With a few additional small incisions, many common gynaecological operations can be carried out by laparoscopy. These include:
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Investigation and treatment of the various causes for infertility (e.g. endometriosis, blocked tubes). | |
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Investigation and treatment of the cause of severe menstrual pain or persistent low abdominal pain. |
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Sterilisation procedures. |
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Confirmation and treatment of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tubes). |
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Removal of cysts of the ovary or the ovaries itself. |
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Removal of fibroids or abnormal growth in the womb. |
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Removal of the entire womb, when necessary. | | | |
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| Prior To Surgery |
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Before your surgery you may be requested to undergo certain tests to evaluate your general health and fitness for surgery. These may include blood tests, ECG, X-ray and ultrasound.
You will also be requested to fast and instructed to have an enema before surgery. Shaving may also be needed as well. These measures are necessary to reduce the risk of anaesthesia and surgery. | |
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In The Operating Theatre |
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The laparoscopic operation will be done under general anaesthesia. Hence you will be totally asleep during the operation and not feel any pain.
After you are asleep, a 1cm cut is made below your navel for the laparoscopic operation. Where necessary, two to three more small cuts may be required for the entire laparoscopic operation.
During the surgery, your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas, which lifts the abdominal wall. At the end of the surgery, the gas is released, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed. Most of the time, these cuts are so small that they will not require any stitches to close them.
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| After Surgery |
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When you wake up from the surgery, you may feel some sore throat, drowsiness and nausea from the anaesthesia.
Occasionally your tummy may feel slightly bloated from the laparoscopic operation. Shoulder tip pain may be felt. This is caused by the carbon dioxide gas, used during surgery. It will gradually disappear spontaneously after one to two days.
If you feel well after the operation and have been reviewed by your doctor, you may be allowed to go home on the same day. Pain-relief medication may be prescribed for you upon discharge.
With more complicated laparoscopic procedures, you will be advised to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. | |
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| Home Care After Surgery |
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Pain
It is common to feel some pain at the wounds. As the wounds heal, the pain will gradually diminish and go away. |
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Vaginal Bleeding
Mild vaginal bleeding is normal and it will usually stop within a few days. |
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Wound care
Try to keep the wound dressing clean and dry. If there are stitches, your doctor will advise on the time to remove them.
If your wound dressing becomes wet, please ask for a change. For most laparoscopic operations, the wound dressing can be removed three to five days after the operation. The wound would have closed up by then.
You can then take your bath normally. Remember to gently dry the area around the wound after your bath, especially the wound near the belly button. |
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Activities
Increase your activity level by a little each day. Rest when you feel tired. Avoid strenuous activities until your doctor advises you. |
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Signs of Infection
In the few days after surgery, a slight fever may be present. However if your temperature reaches 38°C, it may be a sign of infection.
Other indications of infection may be increasing pain in the abdomen, swelling or unusual discharge from your wound. Please call your doctor or come directly to:
KK Women's 24-Hour Clinic,
Women's Tower, Basement 1,
Tel No: 6394-1199 |
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Sexual Activity
You should be able to resume your sexual activity after one week if the laparoscopic operation was not extensive.
However, if a more complicated surgery was performed, please consult your doctor before you resume sexual activity. |
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Complications
No surgery is without risk, but the risks associated with laparoscopy are small.
Complications such as bleeding within the abdomen or damage to the bowel or adjacent organs occur rarely, and if this happens, further surgery may be required.
Anaesthesia itself is never without risk and the risks are greater for women who smoke or who are significantly overweight. | |
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| Follow Up Appointment |
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Upon discharge, an appointment will be made for you to return for a review. Hospitalisation leave and medication will be arranged for you. | |
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