Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery

Laparoscopic or minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery is a technique by which the surgeon is able to look inside the abdomen and pelvis. Diagnostic Laparoscopy involves careful inspection of the uterus, tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, liver and upper abdomen. Operative Laparoscopy involves treatment of a variety of conditions including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility, abscess or infection as well as removal of the ovaries, uterus and division of adhesions.

It is important to note that not all procedures are amenable to the laparoscopic approach and not all patients are suitable for laparoscopic surgery. A full medical history and examination will be performed in order to assess suitability. With any laparoscopic procedure there is a risk of conversion to a laparotomy or cut to the abdomen (open surgery), although this risk is small.

Laparoscopic surgery usually allows for a much shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. Major surgery has been performed and certain precautions still need to be taken in the post-operative period. Dr Andrea Garrett will advise you on what precautions are required in individual circumstances.

Dr Andrea Garrett is able to offer Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for both benign and malignant conditions. Other laparoscopic procedures offered are removal of one or both ovaries, removal of lymph nodes, excision of endometriosis, limited staging for early ovarian cancers and some diagnostic procedures.