Laparoscopy is a type of surgery which is performed by tiny instruments inserted through holes on the abdomen (Keyhole surgery). It is done with patient under General anaesthesia. The benefits are lesser pain, earlier recovery and safer surgery with less post-operative risks like wound infection or hernia.

Big uterus or fibroids can be removed efficiently through small incisions usually with the technique of morcellation. Morcellation means cutting the specimen into small, long strips for removal either through the vaginal orifice (manual morcellation) or through one of the key holes on the abdomen using a machine called power morcellator.

Laparoscopy can be used for diagnosis in cases of infertility or long term pelvic pain. Laparoscopy can be used for procedures like tube testing, removal of ovarian cysts or fibroids, removal of adhesions between organs, removal of the uterus, tubal ligation or tubal recanalization, cancer surgeries, fertility enhancing surgery.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure done by inserting a tiny camera into the womb from below. It can be used for testing if uterus is normal and tubes are open in cases of infertility. Hysteroscopy can be used for removal of polyps or septum or fibroids. Hysteroscopy can also be useful in diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Laparoscopy is an excellent tool for detecting and treating fertility problems in adjunct with hysteroscopy. It can be helpful by means of opening the fallopian tubes, removing any adhesions or cysts/fibroids or ovarian drilling in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome. This laparoscopy is called fertility enhancing surgery.

Laparoscopy can be safely performed in patients who have undergone previous surgeries by safe methods of inserting the laparoscope or camera in the abdomen. Good planning of surgery and surgical expertise is essential. We can use techniques like insertion through a point higher on the tummy on the left side, or a type of instrument called Visiport can be used, or a blunt technique of insertion called Hassan’s techniques is used.

It is safer to perform laparoscopy compared to conventional open surgery in cases with medical disorders like diabetes and high blood pressure. This is on account of lesser blood loss, less wound and quicker recovery. In cases where complete anaesthesia (General anaesthesia) cannot be given, laparoscopic surgery cannot be performed in those patients, hence Anaesthesia review prior to surgery planning is important in patients with severe medical conditions.

Laparoscopy is not costlier than conventional surgery where instruments and the laparoscopy set up is easily available, for example most multispecialty hospitals. It is more cost effective as there is lesser hospital stay and fewer complications.