Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used for effectively treating a wide range of gynaecological conditions. Dr Mayooran has extensive expertise in complex surgical cases using a laparoscopic or hysteroscopic approach.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique for managing conditions of the abdomen and pelvis. This approach involves creating two to four keyhole incisions, sometimes as small as 5mm, through which your surgeon can insert the necessary tools to perform the operation. Laparoscopy is considered both diagnostic and therapeutic, meaning that treatment can be completed at the same time as diagnosis is made, reducing the need for further procedures.
A vital instrument is the laparoscope, a long, thin tool consisting of a light source and camera. The laparoscope provides a view of the internal structures by sending the image to a screen as your surgeon works, avoiding the need for a large incision and open surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The duration of your operation depends on the specific procedure required, whether removal of endometriosis deposits or separating bands of scarring and adhesions.
As minimally invasive surgery is now favoured over traditional open surgery in the majority of surgical gynaecology cases, laparoscopy is used to treat a wide range of conditions including:
There may be some cases where open surgery, known as a laparotomy, will be safer or more effective than the keyhole laparoscopic approach. This may be relevant if the surgery is very complex and laparoscopic tools may not allow sufficient precision, or if there is extensive involvement of scar tissue throughout your abdomen/pelvis that needs treatment.
Laparoscopic surgery is generally preferred where keyhole surgery is suitable as this approach can:
Reduce your recovery time
Allow you to return to your normal activities sooner
Lower the risk of post-operative complications such as bleeding and pain
Result in a shorter hospital stay and subsequently lower overall costs for your procedure
Minimise scarring through the use of tiny keyhole incisions rather than a long abdominal cut as in open surgery
Be associated with less blood loss during the surgery
Compared to open surgery, the healing time after a laparoscopy is relatively short. While the total amount of time needed to recover will depend on the specific laparoscopic procedure you needed, what your usual daily tasks look like, and your personal tolerance to post-operative discomfort, most women feel ready to return to their normal activities within a couple of weeks. You may be able to resume sedentary tasks such as deskwork in as soon as three days.
After your laparoscopy, it is normal to experience some abdominal discomfort and bloating, which can usually be relieved with simple pain medications or a cold pack. Dr Mayooran will provide you with post-operative guidelines to support a smooth and complication-free recovery.
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the uterus. Unlike a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy does not require external incisions; instead, the hysteroscope and required tools are inserted through your cervix. The hysteroscope, equipped with a camera and light, gives your surgeon an internal view of the uterus.
Depending on the condition being investigated, a biopsy may be taken at the same time. Dr Mayooran may also perform surgical treatment at the same time as the hysteroscopic investigation.
Hysteroscopic surgery is performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia, and can take up to an hour. If you are having a hysteroscopy for diagnostic purposes, this can take around 15-20mins and is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic.
Hysteroscopy is used to investigate and manage a wide variety of uterine problems, including:
A hysteroscopic examination may be recommended to confirm or clarify inconclusive ultrasound findings. In some situations, a pelvic ultrasound may be a sensible first-line investigation and you may only need the hysteroscopy if the results are not clear.
A significant advantage of hysteroscopy is that it can diagnose and treat conditions simultaneously within the single procedure. Hysteroscopy also enables:
A direct view of the inside of your uterus for accurate diagnosis
A greatly minimised risk of infection and bleeding, as there are no incisions required; however, the risk still exists if surgery is required during the hysteroscopy
Shorter recovery times
Avoidance of visible scars from incisions
Recovery after a hysteroscopy is much faster than after traditional open surgery, with many women returning to work and their normal activities within as soon as a day or two. It may take up to two weeks to heal completely, depending on whether you had an operative or diagnostic hysteroscopy.
In the first few days post-procedure, it is normal to experience some abdominal cramping and spotting. Discomfort is usually well-managed with simple pain relieving medications. Dr Mayooran will provide you with comprehensive post-op instructions, including how to manage pain and bleeding, what activities to avoid, and what signs or symptoms require urgent attention.
