Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is keyhole surgery where a small telescope is inserted at the umbilicus (belly button) to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes. 

One or two small incisions may also be made in the lower abdomen so that surgical instruments can be inserted to enable a full examination to be performed and if any other procedure is required, such as to remove ovarian cysts, remove ectopic pregnancies etc.  

A dye test may be performed to check the tubes are working.  Sterilisation may also be performed to block the tubes with small metal clips for permanent contraception. 
 
A laparoscopy is a minor and safe operation and is usually a day case procedure. It is done under general anaesthesia.  The risk of major complications, such as bowel injury, is less than 3 in 1000.  

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy involves putting a thin telescope through the neck of the womb to look at the cavity of the womb. Some fluid is also pumped inside the womb in order to distend the womb cavity so that a full examination can be carried out.  This is done in order to check the lining of the womb for any abnormalities such as polyps, or benign growths, or fibroids, which are benign muscle growths. Polyps and fibroids can be removed during this procedure. 

Hysteroscopy is performed for period problems, bleeding after the menopause, recurrent miscarriage or fertility problems.  The procedure takes around 10 minutes and carries minimal risks of infection, bleeding and womb perforation.

In addition, female sterilisation may be carried out using the hysteroscope, by inserting small implants or coils into the fallopian tubes where they enter the womb cavity. This avoids any cuts on the abdomen (see laparoscopic sterilisation for comparison). 

Hysteroscopy can be performed under General Anaesthetic as well as Local Anaesthetic.