What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery used to see inside the abdomen and pelvis without making large cuts through the skin. It uses a thin telescope called a laparoscope.

A laparoscopy also referred to as keyhole surgery does not involve making large incisions and is the gold standard operative treatment for most gynaecological conditions. The recovery time is much faster than open surgery, and the risk of scarring and other complications is much lower.

Laparoscopy Surgery

A laparoscopic procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia so that the patient won’t feel any pain. It involves making between one and four small incisions in the skin and then passing through a laparoscope. The laparoscope is a thin tube with a telescope, light and camera attached. Then carbon dioxide gas is passed into the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to look around and operate.

Following the procedure, the gas will be released from the body, and the cuts will be closed up with stitches and a dressing. Many patients can go home on the same day, although you may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days.

Who carries out a Laparoscopy?

Even though most gynaecologists perform laparoscopic surgery, only a few will be able to carry out advanced complex procedures. This requires advanced skills and can only be gained through training, experience and staying updated with modern advances in the field.

At the London Women’s Centre, we deliver advanced treatments of the highest quality, by gynaecologists with the proper training and skills. Our top priority is obtaining the best possible result while ensuring patient safety.

Dr Pandelis Athanasias

About Mr Pandelis Athanasias – Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist ✓

Mr Pandelis Athanasias, a leading gynaecologist at London Women’s Centre, excels in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. With vast experience and advanced skills, he ensures safe and successful procedures with faster recovery and minimal scarring. Mr Athanasias provides personalised, effective treatments using the latest technologies. His caring attitude and expertise guarantee high-quality laparoscopic care.

Start your journey to better health by booking a consultation today.

Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and has various benefits over other invasive procedures, such as shorter hospital stays.

There is also a reduction of:

  • Discomfort following the procedure
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Adhesions
  • Blood clot in the legs or lungs

Moreover, the need for only a few incisions means less scarring than more invasive methods, achieving a better cosmetic outcome for the patient. The surgeon performing the procedure can also better visualise and access the pelvic area for diagnosis or treatment. If a condition is found, the surgeon may also be able to treat it during the same operation.

At the London Women’s Centre, we suggest preparing for your procedure with simple steps to provide a smooth experience.

At the initial consultation we will discuss your medical history, assess clinically and address concerns, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared. It’s important to adhere to advice on medication and supplements as provided by our consultant. You will be advised regarding medication you are already on and can interfere with the surgery. You should also stop smoking as this slows down the healing process and can cause further complications.

As your surgery nears, you will undergo a detailed preoperative assessment.

Finally, ensure you have arranged transportation post-procedure, as you’ll be unable to drive due to the anaesthesia.

Our team is committed to supporting you at each step, so reach out with any concerns or for further clarification as your laparoscopy approaches.

Post Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

Following the aftercare (post surgery) plan is essential for a smooth recovery. You may experience some discomfort, such as mild pain at the incision sites, abdominal cramps, or shoulder pain – these are normal post-surgery symptoms resulting from the procedure.

Rest is of utmost importance. Ensure you have a comfortable environment to recuperate and avoid any strenuous activities.

For your safety and comfort, having someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure is strongly recommended.

Remember to attend your scheduled follow up appointment to assess your recovery and discuss any concerns. The support from the London Women’s Centre is a continuous commitment, ensuring that you receive expert care and advice to facilitate a total return to your daily activities.

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Risks and Complications

It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with any surgical procedure.

Minor complications affect a small number of patients—around 1 to 2 in every 100 cases.

These may include:

  • Infection
  • Slight bleeding
  • Bruising at the incision sites
  • Post-operative nausea

Serious complications are considered exceptionally rare, occurring in 1-4 out of every 1,000 cases. These risks are carefully discussed prior to your surgery, and the skilled team at the London Women’s Centre takes every measure to ensure the highest standards of care in the safest hospital environments in London.

Diagnosis

Laparoscopy surgery is used in the diagnosis of various conditions that develop inside the abdomen or pelvis especially when they are difficult to detect through other non-invasive procedures such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.

There are several conditions which are diagnosed and treated via laparoscopic surgery, including:

Laparoscopic surgery is not suitable for all patients. We will offer an alternative option when the extend or nature of the pathology or other concomitant medical conditions dictate another approach. We believe in personalised care after detailed discussion with the patient and careful consideration of all individual factors.

One alternative is a laparotomy, which is a more invasive procedure that involves making a large cut in the abdomen and performing open surgery. We will discuss the best option based on your needs and outline the risks and benefits of each type of surgery.

FAQs

The use of laparoscopy, a minimally invasive type of surgery, has become the go-to method for many common procedures, including important ones like removing the uterus (hysterectomy) or taking out fibroids (myomectomy). Due to this, traditional open surgery is now less common than it used to be.

  • Shorter recovery period
  • Shorter hospital admission
  • Reduced risk of infection and bleeding
  • Small scars, better cosmetic outcome
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Quick return to normal activities

Most gynaecologists carry out simple laparoscopic procedures, but only a few surgeons are able to perform advanced procedures. It requires special training, surgical expertise, good knowledge of pelvic anatomy and surgical experience. At London Women’s Centre, we are proud of our excellent clinical outcomes for patients requiring advanced and complex Laparoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic hysterectomies and laparoscopic myomectomies.

Prior to the Laparoscopy, we will discuss the anticipated length of stay (usually from a few hours to 2 days, depending on the complexity of the surgery), the after-effects of the anaesthetic.

You will also be informed about the care of the scars, including information about the skin sutures and dressings.

We will go through the findings of the procedure in detail and review the relevant images.

Some pain or discomfort will be managed with adequate painkillers on discharge.

You will be given detailed instructions on how to prevent clot formation (e.g., DVT), and blood thinners will be prescribed if necessary.

At London Women’s Centre, we take all the appropriate measures to ensure a quick and uneventful recovery. You will have 24-hour access to your surgeon.

We will explain when you should seek medical advice and provide detailed instructions regarding issues such as when to return to work, resume exercise, what foods to avoid, when to start driving, and when to travel.

Our London Clinics

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  • The Medical Chambers

    10 Knaresborough Pl,
    Kensington, London,SW5 0TG

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  • The Lister Hospital

    Chelsea Bridge Road
    London, SW1W 8RH

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  • Spire St. Anthony's Hospital

    801 London Road, North Cheam
    Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9DW

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  • Parkside Hospital

    53 Parkside, London
    SW19 5NX

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  • New Victoria Hospital

    184 Coombe Lane West
    Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG

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