What is a Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is the examination of internal abdominal organs using a small camera inserted through a 1 cm incision in the belly button. Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia and it usually takes a total of 2 to 4 incisions of 0.5-1 cm in the abdomen depending on the type of laparoscopy to be performed (diagnostic or interventional). The incisions are then stitched intradermally (plastic collation) and the small scars disappear quickly.
Laparoscopy allows for the full examination of abdominal organs, including the reproductive and other internal organs (intestine, liver, gall bladder, etc.).
Over the past 30 years, laparoscopy has evolved considerably with the development of technology and surgical skills and a large number of procedures are performed safely in several surgical specialties (gynaecology, general surgery, urology, etc.).
Laparoscopy has multiple advantages over open surgery, such as a significantly superior result, minimal postoperative pain, short hospital stay (ranging from a few hours to 1 day in most cases) and a quick return to work. The main advantage of laparoscopy, however, remains the surgical precision with which procedures are performed and the almost atraumatic handling of tissues, maximizing the safety and effectiveness of operations and minimizing the formation of adhesions.
A prerequisite for the above is that laparoscopies are performed by an experienced surgical team supported by modern technology.
Laparoscopy has become the gold standard in gynaecology, both in the diagnosis and treatment of many common conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility, adhesions, tubal disease (eg hydrosalpinx), fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, etc.
Laparoscopy and Infertility
Laparoscopy (in combination with hysteroscopy) is the gold standard in the diagnosis of infertility. It is preferred over transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingography (HSG) as it allows for a complete examination of the female reproductive organs.
Laparoscopy examines tubal patency, provides a detailed picture of the relationship between the tubes and ovaries, and also checks for adhesions (scar tissue). In addition, laparoscopy allows for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, small uterine fibroids, cysts in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes and hydrosalpinx.
In many cases, laparoscopy may surgically correct infertility problems, leading to a natural conception soon and without using assisted reproduction technologies.
Laparoscopy and Ovarian Cysts
There are many types of ovarian cysts, such as functional cysts (larger than 5-6 cm present for several months), endometriosis cysts (endometriomas), dermoid cysts (teratomas), mucous and serous cysts. Malignant cysts (ovarian cancer) are extremely rare in women under the age 40 (2-3%) with the frequency increasing in older women. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are treated with laparoscopy and open surgery is very rare.
Ectopic Pregnancy and Laparoscopy
The incidence of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the intrauterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube) has increased in recent years. Laparoscopy is the gold standard in diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy with few exceptions (eg patients in hemorrhagic shock).
Laparoscopy & Chronic Pain in the Lower Abdomen
Endometriosis, chronic inflammation and adhesions are common causes of chronic pain in women.
Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing and treating these problems.
Laparoscopy & Fibroids
Fibroids are solid tumors of the uterus that can be found randomly during a gynecological examination (asymptomatic) or cause bleeding, pain, abdominal distension, infertility and miscarriages. If removal of the fibroids is required, the Gynaecologist will discuss with the patient the most appropriate method of removal (by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, open surgery or a combination).
In general, laparoscopic removal is recommended in cases of small or medium-sized fibroids (up to 4-7 cm in diameter) found on the "surface" of the uterus.
Laparoscopy and Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
In some cases where a hysterectomy is recommended, laparoscopy may facilitate its execution eg laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in cases of an expanded uterus or when the removal of the ovaries is also required or in subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy in cases where the cervix is to be kept in tact. Even though the majority of hysterectomies are still performed with open surgery, laparoscopy is gaining ground and is gradually becoming a good surgical option in the field of modern Gynaecology.
The Gynaecology & Fertility Center provides specialized services in Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Endoscopic Surgery, Infertility and Breast.
Head of the Centre is Dr Elias G. Tsakos MRCOG, CST Obstetrician Gynaecologist, trained and certified in England.
We aim at individualized treatments and evidence-based medicine with honesty, respect and care.
Our services are fully computerized and patients are electronically registered in safe and secure systems. Cutting edge medical technology is used and current medical protocols applied in accordance to the latest guidelines.
Our Centre is open daily, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 9 pm.
We also provide 24 hour Medical support for emergencies.
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