Laparoscopy

Overview

Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that uses small cuts (incisions) and a thin tube with a camera. It lets doctors look inside your belly (abdomen) or pelvis and, if needed, treat problems without making large cuts. It is often called keyhole surgery.

Yes. Laparoscopy is one of the most common types of surgery performed in the UK and many other countries.

It can be used for people of all ages, including children and older adults. You may need it if you have ongoing belly or pelvic symptoms that need a closer look, or if you need certain types of surgery.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Ongoing or unexplained belly or pelvic pain
• Bloating or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• Heavy, painful periods or pain during sex
• Fertility problems (difficulty getting pregnant)
• A lump or swelling in the belly or groin

Causes

Main causes

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Adhesions (scar tissue)

Risk factors

• There are no lifestyle risk factors for needing laparoscopy itself. But some conditions that require laparoscopy are more likely if you have a family history, hormonal imbalances, or previous abdominal surgery.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have been scheduled for laparoscopy and develop a fever, severe pain, or unusual bleeding before the procedure, contact your surgical team or local urgent care service the same day.
• After surgery, use the emergency guidance above for urgent symptoms.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your GP (family doctor) if you have persistent abdominal or pelvic symptoms that aren't explained.
• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can decide if laparoscopy is right for you.

Diagnosis

Laparoscopy itself is a diagnostic method. It allows doctors to see directly inside the abdomen and pelvis. Before recommending it, your doctor will usually do a thorough history and examination, and may arrange other tests first.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Ultrasound scan
• CT or MRI scan
• Swabs or cultures if infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

You will usually be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for about 6 hours before the procedure. You will be given a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep. The surgeon makes small cuts and inserts a thin tube with a light and camera. Gas is used to inflate your belly so the organs can be seen clearly. The surgeon may take samples (biopsy) or perform treatment during the same session. The gas is released at the end and the cuts are closed with stitches or small dressings. Most people go home the same day or the next morning.

Treatment

Laparoscopy is a surgical treatment as well as a diagnostic tool. It is used to treat many conditions with smaller incisions, which often means less pain and a quicker return to normal activities.

Self-care at home

• Follow your discharge advice about wound care.
• Take pain relief as recommended by your healthcare team (ask your pharmacist if unsure).
• Keep the wound clean and dry for the first few days.
• Rest but walk gently to prevent blood clots.
• Do not lift heavy objects or do strenuous exercise until your doctor says it's safe.

Medical treatments

Depending on what the laparoscopy finds, you may receive additional treatments such as antibiotics for an infection, hormonal therapy for endometriosis, or further surgery. Your specialist will explain the options that apply to you.

When is surgery considered?

Laparoscopy is a type of surgery. It may be planned as a day case (go home the same day) or require a one-night stay. The exact timing depends on the condition being treated and your overall health.

Living with this condition

After laparoscopy, you can usually expect to return to light activities within a week and to your normal routine within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the procedure. You may feel tired and sore for the first few days. Follow your healthcare team's advice about when you can drive, bathe, or return to work.

Lifestyle tips

• Take daily short walks to keep blood circulating.
• Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, or swimming until cleared.
• Do not use tampons or have sex for a set time if you had pelvic surgery — ask your doctor.

Diet and exercise

Eat small, light meals for the first day or two. A gentle diet can reduce bloating after the gas is used. You can gradually return to a normal diet. Staying hydrated and walking regularly helps your recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for a diagnosis or recovering from surgery can feel stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or low. Talk to your healthcare team or your GP about anything that is worrying you. They can provide support and point you to helpful resources.

Prevention

Laparoscopy itself is not something you can prevent. You can reduce the risk of complications by following pre- and post-operative instructions, being honest about your medical history, and attending all check-ups.

Vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccines (such as flu and pneumonia if recommended) are up to date before surgery, as infections can make recovery harder.

Screening programmes

Some conditions that lead to laparoscopy, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis, may be spotted earlier with pelvic imaging if you have symptoms. But there is no routine screening for most causes of pelvic or abdominal pain.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a condition that causes abdominal or pelvic symptoms is left undiagnosed, it can progress — for example, appendicitis can burst, or endometriosis can cause more pain and tissue damage.
• Some causes of pelvic pain, such as ectopic pregnancy, are emergencies if not treated quickly.

Long-term outlook

Most people who have laparoscopy recover well and return to their normal lives within a few weeks. The procedure gives doctors a very accurate diagnosis, which means you get the right treatment sooner. For most conditions, keyhole surgery has excellent outcomes and a shorter recovery than open surgery.

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