Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy (or “keyhole surgery”) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your doctor to see the inside of your abdomen and pelvis. A thin camera (laparoscope) along with thin instruments are inserted through small skin incisions. The small incisions allow for faster healing and earlier discharge from hospital.

Laparoscopic entry

To start the procedure, a small skin incision is made to introduce the camera (laparoscope). Usually this is located in the umbilicus (belly button).

Gas medium

During laparoscopy, your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas to make enough space to see and operate safely. At the end of the surgery, this gas is removed and any leftover gas will be absorbed by your body.

Additional skin incisions

Additional small skin incisions will be made to insert thin instruments used to perform the surgery. The location, number, and size of skin incisions are chosen to maximize access and visualization during your procedure. These incisions are generally 5-10mm in size but may be enlarged to remove specimens.

Uterine manipulator

A uterine manipulator is a surgical instrument that may be inserted through the vagina and into the cervix and uterus in order to move the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries during your surgery. This instrument is very important in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Basic instruments

There are various laparoscopic instruments that are used to perform your surgery. Some common examples are:

• Scissors
• Graspers
• Suction