What Is A Laparoscopy?

We speak with Dr Robert Hawthorn, consultant gynaecologist at Ross Hall Hospital, about having a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is an incredibly worthwhile procedure, helping to diagnose a range of women's health conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Links: For more information on having a laparoscopy, please visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/laparoscopy https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/specialities/gynaecology To find a consultant near you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment Chapters: 00:20 - 00:40 – What is a laparoscopy?  00:40 - 01:25 – Why might you need a laparoscopy? 01:25 - 02:32 - What happens during a laparoscopy? 02:32 - 3:10 – What conditions can be diagnosed and treated with laparoscopy?  3:10 – 4:07 - What are the common treatment options?  4:07 – 5:11 - What is the recovery period?  What is a diagnostic laparoscopy? A diagnostic laparoscopy is an operation to look inside your tummy and pelvic area. It is performed using a small telescope (called a laparoscope), which is a thin tube with a light and camera attached to the end of it. This camera is connected to a video monitor, which displays images of the inside of your tummy and pelvis, allowing your consultant to see what is happening without having to 'open up' your abdomen. A laparoscopy can be used both to diagnose and to treat a range of conditions that affect your abdomen and pelvic area. These include gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is usually performed by a consultant gynaecologist, who might also be referred to as a gynaecological surgeon. If you are having a diagnostic laparoscopy and your surgeon can treat the condition during the same procedure, they may do so there and then. Or they might decide that you need treatment in a second keyhole operation at a later date. All this will be explained to you in detail before you decide to have surgery. A laparoscopy is minimally invasive A laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure, meaning it is minimally invasive and does not require large incisions across your tummy. Minimally invasive surgery offers faster recovery times than traditional open surgery and often causes less post-surgical pain, though it is not appropriate in all cases. What conditions can be diagnosed with a laparoscopy? If your gynaecologist feels that you are showing symptoms of any of the following conditions, they might recommend a laparoscopy to investigate further. Uterine fibroids Most women will develop one or more uterine fibroids during their reproductive lifespan. Uterine fibroids can lead to heaviness and pressure across your pelvic area. If left untreated, uterine fibroids will continue to grow, causing increased pelvic pain. Endometriosis Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the UK. One of the main concerns with endometriosis is that it is very difficult to diagnose, taking an average of seven and a half years. Endometriosis causes a wide array of difficult symptoms including severe pelvic pain, pain during sex, and infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease This is an infection of the female reproductive system (which includes the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). It does not usually cause symptoms, but when it does, pelvic inflammatory disease can cause heavy and painful periods, severe tummy pain, and fever. Ovarian cysts Most women will be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst (or cysts), because they are often asymptomatic. If you do have symptoms, the most common ones are pelvic pain, pain during sex, and unusually heavy periods. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Around one in 10 women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is no definitive diagnostic test for PCOS, so it can take time to diagnose through a process of elimination. PCOS causes symptoms including excessive hair growth, weight gain, and fertility issues. A pelvic tumour A pelvic tumour is any one of many tumours that can be found in your pelvic area. These can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Pelvic tumours typically cause a feeling of pressure on your tummy, bloating, and urinary and bowel changes. Consultant details: Dr Robert Hawthorn is consultant gynaecologist at Ross Hall Hospital. Learn more about his expertise: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/robert-hawthorn To see how Ross Hall Hospital can help you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/ross-hall-hospital If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this video, seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Do you want to hear more about other spinal conditions? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics. #lapaorscopy #womenshealth #womenshealthsymptoms