Minimally invasive keyhole surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gynaecological conditions, performed by an experienced consultant specialist.
Laparoscopic surgery — commonly known as keyhole surgery — is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions in the abdomen rather than a single large cut. A narrow camera and surgical instruments are passed through these incisions, allowing diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological conditions with significantly less pain, faster recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and smaller scars than traditional open surgery.
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease and adhesions
Ectopic pregnancy
Conditions requiring hysterectomy or sterilisation
Laparoscopy can be used diagnostically to examine the pelvic organs directly where a definitive diagnosis cannot be reached through scanning alone. In many cases, treatment is carried out at the same time as the diagnostic procedure.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision at the navel allows a tube to be inserted, through which gas is passed to inflate the abdomen and improve visibility. A laparoscope — a narrow camera — is then introduced, and further small incisions allow surgical instruments to be used. Following the procedure, instruments are removed, the gas is released, and the incisions are closed with stitches. Most procedures take between one and two hours depending on complexity.
At London Pregnancy Care and Gynaecology, care is delivered by experienced consultant specialists with a focus on personalised treamtent, continuity of care, and clear, supportive guidance.
Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, and ectopic pregnancy. It is also used for hysterectomy and sterilisation procedures. Your consultant will advise whether a laparoscopic approach is suitable for your individual condition and circumstances.
As laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, you will not be able to eat or drink for six hours beforehand. If you smoke, stopping before surgery reduces the risk of wound complications. If you are at increased risk of blood clots, compression stockings or anti-clotting medication may be recommended. You will receive full instructions at your pre-operative assessment.
Pain relief is provided in hospital, and over-the-counter painkillers can be taken once you are home. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. You should not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol within 24 hours of the procedure due to the effects of the anaesthetic, and you should arrange for someone to accompany you home. You will receive clear guidance on wound care, activity levels, and when you can return to normal daily life before you leave hospital.
Recovery time depends on the nature of the procedure, but most patients require one to two weeks off work. Your consultant will give you specific guidance at your pre-operative appointment.
As with all surgery, there are risks including reaction to anaesthetic, heavy bleeding, blood clots, and wound infection, though measures are taken to minimise these. It is normal to experience some abdominal and shoulder discomfort after the procedure due to the gas used — this typically resolves within 48 hours. Some bruising around the incision sites is also common and usually clears on its own.
The incisions used in laparoscopic surgery are very small — typically between 0.5 and 1cm — and heal to form minimal scarring in most cases.
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