About laparoscopy
We perform a laparoscopy while you are under general anaesthetic (asleep).
The operation enables the surgeon to look inside your abdomen and see if your uterus, (womb) fallopian tubes and ovaries are normal and healthy.
Why we recommend a laparoscopy
We carry out this operation for different reasons, including to investigate:
- tummy (abdominal) pain
- infertility
- sterilisation issues.
For sterilisation issues, we usually carry out a D&C (scrape) at the same time.
The operation
You can expect the following during the operation.
- We pump gas into your tummy (abdomen). This enables us to see your abdomen clearly.
- We insert a small telescope through a tiny cut just below your tummy button (umbilicus).
- We make another small cut on your hairline, just above your pubic bone (pelvis).
- We may use a stitch to close these cuts and add wound dressings. We will let you know if we use a dissolvable stitch. You can gently remove your dressings after 2 to 3 days.
After the operation
What to expect after your operation.
Pain
When you awake from your anaesthetic, you are likely to experience some tummy pain. This will settle over the next 3 to 4 days.
Patients often experience pain in their shoulders and under their ribs. This is due to a small amount of air that will gradually disappear over the next 2 to 4 days.
We will give you painkillers to take home.
Your results
We will let you know the results of our investigation and explain them to you. Before you leave, we will arrange a date for you to have further treatment or Outpatient follow-up.
Recovery at home
When you get home, follow this advice.
- Rest for the first 48 hours.
- You can eat and drink as usual, but do not drink alcohol for 24 to 48 hours.
- You can take a shower 24 hours after your operation.
- Do not take a bath for 14 days, to avoid soaking the wound.
- Do not use talcum powder or antiseptic near your scar.
- You can leave your scar exposed or cover it will a small dressing (for example Mepore, Tegaderm or Opsite).
- Most patients return to work 1 week after their operation. Your doctor will advise you on this.
Contact information
Day Surgery Unit Advice Line, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Out of hours and weekends, calls diverted to Kingston Hospital Alex Ward
NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111
You can also contact your GP or come to the Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E)