Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a camera (laparoscope) and operating instruments are introduced into the abdomen through 3–4 small (5–12 mm) incisions. The surgeon operates while watching a high-definition screen, rather than through a large open cut. In gynaecology, laparoscopy has transformed the treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, ectopic pregnancies, uterine prolapse, and infertility. At Charak Hospital, our advanced laparoscopic team performs both diagnostic and complex operative procedures with precision, offering patients significantly less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay (often 1–2 days), and a faster return to everyday life compared to open surgery.
When Is Laparoscopic Gynaecology Surgery Recommended?
- Pelvic pain — chronic or related to endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts not resolving with observation
- Uterine fibroids causing symptoms — bleeding, pain, or infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening — emergency laparoscopy)
- Investigation and treatment of blocked fallopian tubes
- Tubal ligation (permanent contraception)
- Hysterectomy (laparoscopic removal of the uterus)
- Diagnostic laparoscopy for unexplained infertility or chronic pelvic pain
Laparoscopic Procedures We Offer
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
Removal of ovarian cysts with preservation of ovarian tissue and fertility. See: Ovarian Cystectomy.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Fibroid removal through keyhole incisions, preserving the uterus. See: Myomectomy.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
Complete uterus removal laparoscopically — the gold standard for minimally invasive hysterectomy. See: Hysterectomy.
Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometriosis
Endometriosis deposits excised or ablated, adhesions divided, and chocolate cysts removed — all laparoscopically. Often dramatically improves fertility and reduces pain.
How Laparoscopic Surgery Is Performed
- General anaesthesia administered
- Carbon dioxide gas inflated into the abdomen to create working space
- Laparoscope (camera) inserted through a navel incision
- 2–3 additional small ports for operating instruments
- Surgeon operates with full HD visualisation on monitor
- Procedure performed; specimens removed in a bag
- Gas released, ports closed with small sutures
- Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on complexity
Recovery & Aftercare
Most laparoscopic gynaecology patients are discharged within 24–48 hours. Shoulder tip pain (from the CO2 gas) resolves within 1–2 days. The small port wounds are usually closed with absorbable sutures. Return to desk work typically within 1 week, full activity within 2–4 weeks depending on the specific procedure.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Gynaecological laparoscopy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical procedure where the surgeon makes 1–3 small cuts (usually less than 1 cm) in the abdomen and uses a thin camera (laparoscope) to view and operate on the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Because the cuts are tiny, recovery is much faster than open surgery. It can be used for both diagnosis and treatment.
Laparoscopy is recommended to investigate unexplained pelvic pain, confirm or treat endometriosis, check if fallopian tubes are open (for infertility workup), remove ovarian cysts, treat ectopic pregnancy, perform laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy, and perform sterilisation. It is often both diagnostic and therapeutic—the problem can be found and treated in the same procedure.
A standard gynaecological laparoscopy uses 2–3 small incisions: one at or just below the navel (belly button) for the camera, and 1–2 more in the lower abdomen for surgical instruments. Each cut is typically 5–12 mm wide. Advanced 'single-port' laparoscopy uses only one incision at the navel. These small cuts heal well and leave minimal to no visible scarring.
Laparoscopy is done under general anaesthesia so you feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, you may have mild soreness at the incision sites, slight bloating from the gas used during surgery, and occasionally shoulder tip pain (referred pain from the gas)—all of which are temporary and managed with standard pain relief. Most women are surprised by how little discomfort they have after laparoscopy compared to what they expected.
Yes—laparoscopy is the gold standard for both diagnosing and treating endometriosis. The surgeon can directly see endometrial deposits and remove or destroy them during the same procedure. Relief from pelvic pain and improved fertility are well-documented outcomes. However, endometriosis can recur, so post-surgical hormonal management is often recommended.
Most women go home the same day or within 24 hours of a diagnostic or simple operative laparoscopy. Light activities can resume within 2–3 days, office work within 1 week, and full activity including exercise within 2–4 weeks. Complex procedures (hysterectomy, extensive endometriosis) may require a longer recovery of 3–6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance.
Yes—laparoscopy is an important investigation in infertility evaluation when other tests (ultrasound, hormonal tests, semen analysis) are normal but pregnancy is not occurring. It can detect blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and other structural problems that prevent conception—conditions that cannot always be seen on ultrasound. In the same procedure, blocked tubes can sometimes be treated.
Laparoscopy is generally very safe, with complication rates under 1–2% in experienced hands. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs (bladder, bowel, major blood vessels—very rare), and anaesthesia reactions. Occasionally, laparoscopy may need to be converted to open surgery if complications are encountered or the disease is more extensive than anticipated. Your surgeon will discuss specific risks relevant to your procedure.
Before: fast for 6–8 hours before surgery, remove nail polish and jewellery, wear loose comfortable clothes. After: rest for 24–48 hours; avoid driving for at least 48 hours as anaesthesia affects reflexes; avoid sexual intercourse, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise for the duration advised by your surgeon (usually 2–4 weeks). Contact your doctor if you develop fever, heavy bleeding, or severe abdominal pain.
Diagnostic laparoscopy in India costs approximately ₹20,000–₹50,000; operative laparoscopy (cystectomy, myomectomy, etc.) ranges from ₹60,000–₹2,50,000 depending on the procedure's complexity. Laparoscopic hysterectomy costs ₹80,000–₹2,00,000. Costs in Lucknow are generally more affordable than in metro cities. Charak Hospital provides experienced laparoscopic surgical care with clear pre-operative cost estimates.
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