Minimal Access Surgery is keyhole surgery. The key benefits of keyhole surgery are that typically the procedure is less painful, you are likely to recover faster and with less scarring.
There are a number of different types of keyhole surgery used to treat gynaecological conditions and symptoms.
This involves making a small incision in your abdomen to carry out a surgical procedure using a laparascope. This is a small tubular instrument with a light source and camera that relays images of the inside of your abdomen and pelvis to a TV screen. This allows the doctor to see what is going on inside you without having to carry out major surgery.
The benefits of a laparoscopy compared to traditional forms of surgery are:
Laparoscopy is used in a wide range of gynaecological procedures, as well as urology (conditions affecting the urinary system) and gastroenterology (conditions affecting the digestive system).
Among the gynaecological conditions that can be successfully treated using a laparoscopy are:
This involves performing surgical procedures via the vagina without the need for any incisions. A hysteroscope is a narrow telescope with a light and camera at the end. It allows the doctor to see what is going on inside your womb.
Hysteroscopies are carried out as an outpatient or day-case, which means you can go home the same day and don’t need to be admitted to hospital. Procedures are carried out under you a general anaesthetic for your comfort.
Hysteroscopies can be used for:
You will be given a general anaesthetic and you will be asked to lie on a couch with your legs in supports. The doctor may use an instrument called a speculum to get a better view of your cervix. If you’ve ever had a smear test you will be familiar with this. The hysteroscope is then gently inserted via your vagina into your womb. Fluid is pumped inside your womb to make it easier for the doctor to see. The camera will relay images onto a monitor so the doctor can identify and treat any abnormalities.
No. You may experience a slight cramping sensation, similar to period pain, but the procedure is not painful.
You will be able to return to your normal day-to-day activities the following day, or even on the same day. You may experience some slight bleeding or spotting for a few days, which is normal and nothing to worry about. You should avoid having sex until the bleeding has stopped to minimise the risk of infection. Your doctor will contact you to talk to you about what was found during the procedure.