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After discussion with, and advice from their Gynaecologist, many women choose to have a laparoscopy (or keyhole surgery) to investigate and treat their problem.
Common reasons for having a laparoscopy include discovering the cause of pelvic pain, pain with periods or pain during sex.
Other reasons for having laparoscopic surgery include treatment of cysts or uterine fibroids.
Laparoscopic Surgery requires particular care when inserting the laparoscope to avoid injury to abdominal organs.
The specialists at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ballarat use the safer “modified Hasson” step to insert the laparoscope, rather than the more commonly used “Veress needle” approach.
By using the modified Hasson approach, we can markedly reduce the risk of complications occurring during your operation.
Once the laparoscopy procedure starts, your Doctor will then assess the problem, and based on your consent, remove ovarian cysts or endometriosis, treat fibroids, free up adhesions or perform more complex procedures such as laparoscopic hysterectomy.
On average, more than 500 Laparoscopy operations are performed by our by the Specialists at OGB per year.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
The majority women visiting OGB who request a hysterectomy are able to have the procedure performed via a laparoscopic approach.Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe procedure in experienced hands, leading to less complications, and a faster recovery than “open” or abdominal hysterectomy. Sometimes, a vaginal approach or indeed an open approach will be required to safely provide your treatment, and you should feel confident that your specialist will give you balanced and sensible advice.
On average, Gynaecologists at OGB perform over 240 hysterectomy procedures per year, with about 180 of these operations performed via a laparoscopic approach.
Laparoscopic Sacralcolpopexy
Surgery for vaginal prolapse is usually performed through the vagina. Whilst the technique used at OGB is robust, there is always a chance of recurrence of the prolapse.
If this occurs your doctor may suggest that you consider this procedure, laparoscopic sacralcolpopexy. It involves introducing a small piece of permanent mesh which helps to anchor the top of the vagina to a secure point, the sacrum. The entire operation is performed laparoscopically, making the potential for mesh complications much less than if introduced through the vagina. The mesh is completely covered within the pelvis, and because the mesh is fixed to bone, all of the long term studies of its effectiveness have shown it to have excellent long term outcomes.
The recovery is relatively quick, similar to other laparoscopic procedures. Generally there would be 1-2 nights in hospital and 2-3 weeks off work.
Depending on the nature and extent of endometriosis, your Gynaecologist will advise if your laparoscopic surgery is to be planned as a day case operation, with overnight hospital stay, or as a procedure in combination with our colorectal (bowel) surgeon.
Sometimes, after assessment during an initial operation, a second procedure to treat endometriosis with a senior team may be advised.
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Abbreviations have been used throughout this website. Please refer to the glossary for full terminology.
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