Surgical procedures
We offer a range of surgical procedures for gynaecological conditions.
Hysteroscopy
This is a procedure where a small camera is inserted through the neck of the womb (cervix) into the uterus (womb). This enables us to look at the endometrium (womb lining), take biopsies or perform treatments.
A hysteroscopy may be recommended as part of evaluation and treatment for the following issues:
- Abnormal bleeding patterns – often combined with an endometrial biopsy
- Subfertility – including repeated unsuccessful IVF, intra-uterine adhesions (scar tissue), endometrial polyps, uterine septum
- For removal of endometrial polyps, submucosal fibroids, pregnancy tissue which has been retained, or intrauterine devices (coil) where the threads have been lost.
Laparoscopy
This is a common procedure carried out in gynaecology also known as key hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. It involves passing a laparoscope, which is a small telescope with a camera attached, into the abdomen, usually through a small cut in the belly button. Laparoscopy enables us to look at the abdomen and gynaecological organs including the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
A laparoscopy may be recommended as part of evaluation and treatment for the following reasons:
- Pelvic pain – for conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic adhesions
- Subfertility – to look for a cause of subfertility and to assess the fallopian tubes (often using a dye test).
- Many gynaecological conditions can be treated laparoscopically including:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Swollen blocked tubes (hydrosalpinx/hydrosalpinges)
- Pelvic adhesions (scar tissue commonly from previous surgery or infection)
- Ectopic pregnancy
Laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case procedure.
For more information see the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists patient information leaflet.