Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopy allows physicians to view the internal pelvic organs without requiring major surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients can be discharged a few hours after their surgery.

Laparoscopy is employed in two levels of complexity:

Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Diagnostic laparoscopy can be performed in the office or in the operating room and is utilized mainly for observation and diagnosis. Some minimal corrective procedures can be accomplished in this setting.

Operative Laparoscopy
Operative laparoscopy is always done in the operating room while the patient is under general anesthesia. This approach will enable the physician to correct any abnormalities that are encountered during the surgical procedure.

The laparoscope enables the physician to examine the external surface of the uterus tubes and ovaries. The surrounding organs can be viewed as well. This could include the liver, gall bladder, intestines, cul de sac, and anterior surface of the bladder. Often the appendix can be seen.

Conditions that impair fertility may not have symptoms that a woman notices in her daily life. These conditions include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and damage from prior infection, tubal disease resulting from ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic adhesive disease. Once encountered through the laparoscope many of these conditions can be treated at the time of their diagnosis, which would save the patient from having to return for a second procedure.

Duration of Laparoscopic Surgery

Diagnostic laparoscopy usually takes between 20-30 minutes. Operative laparoscopy can last from 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedures that are required. On rare occasions, an operative laparoscopy is converted to a laparotomy in order to complete the excision or repair.

Laparascopic "keyhole" surgery

Probably you have seen TV images of surgeons operating on people using endoscopes linked up to video screen. The endoscopes make tiny entry wounds in the skin hence the term "keyhole" (or "minimally invasive") surgery. This technique is unique and we are the first and only general practice in the whole region to offer it to our clients.

Tubal Infertility

Tubal factor (or diseases of the fallopian tube) account for infertility in about 20-25 percent of all couples that are having difficulty getting pregnant. Couples have a couple options available for the treatment of tubal factor infertility.

Tubal surgery may be utilized to repair the damage in certain cases

In vitro fertilization is another option
You should consult with your doctor to determine which solution is best for you. Each has very specific pros and cons, which vary from patient to patient. Occasionally, women may have had a history of previous infection such as appendicitis. This can lead to damage and scarring of the fallopian tubes. Other conditions, which are known to damage the fallopian tubes, include endometriosis, prior surgery and previous ectopic pregnancy. Patients who have used the intrauterine device in the past may also be at risk. Most physicians will take a careful history for prior infections such as cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Non-invasive tests, such as a hysterosalpingogram, are often employed to provide information about the extent of damage of the tube prior to the decision to have surgery.

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