A laparoscopy is a procedure that allows a healthcare professional to look inside your abdomen using a thin tube with a light and camera at the end, called a laparoscope.

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Why am I having a Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is used as a diagnostic procedure to try and find the cause of your symptoms.

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How is a laparoscopy performed?

A laparoscopy is carried out under a general anaesthetic.

A small cut is usually made just below your belly button to access your abdominal cavity. Carbon dioxide gas is then gently pumped into your abdomen. This gas is harmless and is used to inflate the area and separate the organs so they can be seen more clearly.

If needed, a few additional small cuts may be made on your abdomen so other instruments can be used during the procedure.

Any minor treatments that might be carried out at the same time as your laparoscopy will be discussed with you in the clinic before you are added to the waiting list.

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Advantages of a Laparascopy over regular surgery

• Less pain following the procedure
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery time
• Smaller scars

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Can anyone have this operation?

Yes, you can have the procedure as long as you have not had any previous problems with anaesthetics and you are medically fit for surgery. A pre‑operative assessment will be carried out to confirm this.

This assessment is a hospital appointment where you will be examined and have blood tests taken. You may also need further investigations, such as a heart tracing (ECG) or X‑rays.

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What are the risks?

A laparoscopy may not always show a clear cause for your symptoms. The risk of complications is higher in women with a raised body mass index (BMI) and in those who have had previous abdominal surgery.

Serious risks include:

• Overall risk of a serious complication from a diagnostic laparoscopy is about 1 in 500 (uncommon).
• Injury to the bowel, bladder, uterus, or major blood vessels, which may require immediate repair during the laparoscopy or by open surgery (laparotomy). This is uncommon. However, up to 15% of bowel injuries may not be recognised at the time of surgery.
• Failure to enter the abdominal cavity or inability to complete the planned procedure.
• Hernia at one of the entry sites.
• Death – this is very rare. Between 3 and 8 women in every 100,000 undergoing laparoscopy die as a result of complications.

More common risks include:

• Bruising around the wounds
• Shoulder‑tip pain
• The wound opening slightly
• Wound infection

If, for any reason, the operation cannot be carried out safely or effectively using the laparoscope, the surgeon may need to convert to an open operation to get a better view and access to the organs. This is necessary in about 3–5% of procedures. If a complication occurs, additional procedures, including major surgery to repair the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels, may be required.

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What to expect after a Laparoscopy

General anaesthetic

When you first wake up from the general anaesthetic you will feel drowsy and may have some discomfort. Pain relief will be given if you need it. Because you have had a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.

How long will I be in hospital?

If you have had a diagnostic laparoscopy, you will usually be able to go home later the same day. If you have had an operative procedure, you may need to stay in hospital overnight.

Pain and discomfort

It is normal to have some discomfort in your lower abdomen for the first few days after your operation. It is recommended that you continue to take simple painkillers during this time.

Stitches

The cuts made during your surgery will be about 1 cm in size and closed with stitches. Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others will be removed 5–7 days after your operation. You can remove the dressing after 24 hours.

Vaginal bleeding

You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding for 1–2 days.

Eating and drinking

Once you are awake, you will be offered a drink (such as tea or water) and something light to eat.

Driving

You should not drive for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic. Please also check your car insurance policy, as each company has its own rules about driving after an operation.

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Returning to work

When you can return to work will depend on the type of job you do.

If you have had a diagnostic laparoscopy or a simple procedure such as sterilisation, you can usually return to work within one week. Although light activities will not cause harm after surgery, it is normal to take things easy for the first 48 hours.

If you are off work for less than one week, you can complete a self‑certification form to cover your time off.