Frequently Asked Questions About Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is surgery performed through a few small cuts using a camera (laparoscope) and narrow instruments, instead of one large incision. It can be used to diagnose a problem or to carry out a complete operation.

Yes. Keyhole surgery and minimally invasive surgery are everyday terms for the same general approach.

Most laparoscopic operations are done under general anaesthesia, so you are asleep. The anaesthetist will explain the plan for your case.

Carbon dioxide gas gently lifts the abdominal wall away from the organs, giving the surgeon space to work and a clear view. Residual gas is a common cause of shoulder-tip discomfort afterwards.

Usually two to four small cuts, though this depends on the operation and the technique used.

Some laparoscopic procedures are day-care, and others need one or more nights. Emergency or complicated surgery generally needs a longer stay. Your surgeon can give you an expected range.

Most people describe soreness at the cuts, bloating and shoulder-tip pain rather than severe pain, and it usually improves over several days with prescribed medicines. Pain that is worsening should be reported to your care team.

This depends on the operation and on how physical your work is. Desk work is usually resumed sooner than heavy manual work. Ask your surgeon for advice based on your procedure.

Generally once you are off sedating painkillers and can perform an emergency stop comfortably and safely. Confirm timing with your surgeon and check your motor insurance conditions.

Restrictions vary, and are especially important after hernia repair. Follow the specific limits and timeline your surgical team gives you.

Many people restart light, easily digestible food soon after surgery and build up gradually. Some operations come with specific dietary advice, so follow your discharge instructions.

The cuts are small, so scars are usually small, but healing differs from person to person and some people scar more noticeably than others.

It is widely performed and generally considered safe, but no surgery is risk-free. Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby structures and anaesthesia-related problems. Your individual risk depends on your health and the operation.

It means the surgeon decides during the operation to complete it through a larger incision, usually because of bleeding, inflammation, scar tissue or an unclear view. It is a safety decision, not a failure.

Fever, worsening pain, a red or discharging wound, persistent vomiting, a swollen abdomen with no passage of stool or gas, yellowing of eyes or skin, breathing difficulty, chest pain, calf swelling or heavy bleeding all need prompt medical attention.

Often yes, but previous surgery can cause adhesions that make keyhole access harder and raise the chance of conversion to open surgery. Tell your surgeon about all previous operations.

Cost varies considerably with the procedure, hospital, city, surgeon, room category, tests, medicines, implants, length of stay and insurance cover. Ask for a written itemised estimate and check what is excluded.

Many policies cover surgery that requires hospitalisation, but cover depends on your policy terms, waiting periods, room rent limits, sub-limits, co-payment and non-payable items. Confirm details with your insurer and the hospital's insurance desk before admission.

Identity and insurance documents, previous reports and scans, a list of your current medicines, and comfortable loose clothing. Follow the hospital's admission instructions.

Some conditions do require surgery during pregnancy, and the approach is decided case by case by the surgical and obstetric teams. Always tell your doctors if you are or might be pregnant.

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