Diagnostic and Operative Laparoscopy

Diagnostic & Operative Laparoscopy: The Gold Standard for Clarity and Care

Living with unexplained pelvic pain, infertility, or frustrating symptoms can be an exhausting journey. When imaging like ultrasound doesn’t provide all the answers, a diagnostic laparoscopy is the definitive gold standard for understanding what is truly happening inside the pelvis.

At Happiher, we specialize in a powerful “see and treat” approach. This means we can often move seamlessly from diagnosis to treatment within a single keyhole procedure. Led by Dr. Manou Kaur, our goal is to provide you not just with answers, but with immediate, effective solutions, minimizing the need for multiple surgeries and helping you move forward with your life.

What is Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery)?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows a surgeon to see inside the abdomen and pelvis without making a large incision. The procedure involves:

1. Making a few small incisions (typically 5-10mm) in the abdomen.
2. Gently inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create a safe, clear space.
3. Inserting a laparoscope—a thin tube with a high-definition camera and light—through one incision to view your pelvic organs on a monitor in real-time.
4. Using specialized, fine instruments through the other incisions to carefully examine and, if necessary, treat any issues found.

The benefits over traditional open surgery are significant, including less pain, minimal scarring, a lower risk of infection, and a much faster recovery.

The Dual Power: A “See and Treat” Philosophy

Our approach harnesses the full potential of this technology by combining two stages into one efficient procedure.

• Diagnostic Laparoscopy (The “See” Phase): This is the investigative part of the procedure. It is the only way to definitively diagnose certain conditions, especially endometriosis. Dr. Kaur can directly visualize the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures, identifying abnormalities that may not be visible on scans, such as:
  • Endometriosis implants and lesions
  • Adhesions (internal scar tissue)
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Fibroids
  • Structural abnormalities of the uterus or tubes
• Operative Laparoscopy (The “Treat” Phase): This is where expertise makes all the difference. If an issue is identified during the diagnostic phase, Dr. Kaur can often treat it immediately. This avoids the stress, cost, and recovery time of a second, separate surgery. Operative treatments can include:
  • Excision of Endometriosis: Meticulously removing implants and lesions.
  • Ovarian Cystectomy: Removing a cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue.
  • Adhesiolysis: Carefully dividing bands of scar tissue to relieve pain and restore organ mobility.
  • Myomectomy: Removing fibroids (depending on their size and location).

Your Patient Journey: A Path to Answers and Relief

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we ensure you feel informed and cared for.

1. Consultation and Planning: Your journey starts with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and medical history. If laparoscopy is recommended, Dr. Kaur will explain the goals of the procedure—both diagnostic and potentially operative—and answer all of your questions.
2. The Procedure: Performed as a day-case or with an overnight hospital stay under general anaesthesia, the procedure is tailored to your needs. Dr. Kaur’s extensive experience allows for an efficient and comprehensive examination and treatment.
3. Recovery and Follow-Up: After the procedure, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions. It’s common to experience some bloating or shoulder discomfort (from the gas), which resolves quickly. Most patients are able to return to desk work and light activities within one to two weeks. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss the surgical findings in detail and plan any further steps in your care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does the surgery take?
   A purely diagnostic laparoscopy can be as quick as 30 minutes. If operative treatment is performed, it can range from 60 to 90 minutes or longer, depending on the complexity of the findings.
2. Will I have noticeable scars?
   You will have 2 to 4 very small scars, each about the size of a keyhole. These are closed meticulously and typically heal to be very faint and discreet.
3. Is the procedure painful?
   You will be fully asleep under general anaesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is well-managed with medication and is significantly less than with open surgery. Most patients manage well with simple pain relief at home after a day or two.
4. What if you find something unexpected?
   This is one of the key strengths of a combined diagnostic and operative laparoscopy. Dr. Kaur’s extensive experience allows her to manage a wide range of gynaecological conditions. The plan is always to treat what is safe and appropriate to treat at the time, providing you with the maximum benefit from a single procedure.

Find the Answers You Deserve

If you are seeking clarity for unexplained symptoms or infertility, a diagnostic and operative laparoscopy may be the definitive next step.