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Laparoscopic surgery, also known as ‘minimally invasive’, or ‘keyhole surgery’, this method has revolutionised all areas of surgery including gynaecology and cancer operations.

It is performed using very small incisions in the abdominal wall, which allows a high definition camera to give very clear pictures of the female pelvic organs and abdomen. This allows almost any procedure that is usually performed with a large incision (laparotomy) to be done with small incisions (usually less than 1cm). Laparoscopy is used to find problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and endometriosis. It is also used successfully for removal of some cancers (eg uterine cancer) and lymph nodes. Tissue samples can be taken for biopsy through the small ports placed in the abdominal wall.

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are smaller surgical scars, reduced blood loss during surgery, less pain following surgery, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities. Dr Chan has a special interest in this method and has performed thousands of these minimally invasive procedures. Unfortunately many patients are still undergoing laparotomy throughout Australia for procedures that could be performed safely and successfully as a laparoscopic procedure with all its inherent benefits. Please see the other sections within the laparoscopic tab for more details regards specific conditions and procedures including our FAQs.