Abdominal laparoscopy

This type of surgery usually takes place under general anaesthetic. Your consultant passes a small tube with tiny camera (a laparoscope) through a single, tiny incision in your abdomen to examine organs in your abdominal area.

This camera relays images of the inside of your abdominal area on to a screen. In some cases your consultant may perform a therapeutic intervention at the same time. Once they've finished, your consultant will close the area with stitches. You can usually go home on the same day as your laparoscopy.

Because you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking for. At HCA, we have a number of surgeons who specialise in the SILS (scarless surgery) technique, which can be used for gynaecological laparoscopies. You should ask your consultant about this.

Like most procedures, there might be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. And they'll also answer any questions you might have about the treatment. You might feel a bit drowsy after your general anaesthetic so you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your treatment.

You might experience feelings of bloating or cramp in your tummy after an abdominal laparoscopy. This is normal and should disappear after a couple of days. If you do feel any pain, you should contact your consultant.

You'll need to rest when you get home after your laparoscopy but you should be fine to get back to your usual routine, including exercise, after a couple of days.