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, to divide scar tissue or treat endometriosis. 

Laparoscopy can also be used to perform hysterectomy or myomectomy (removing the womb, tubes and/or ovaries or fibroids), resulting in a shorter hospital stay compared with abdominal hysterectomy and myomectomy procedures. 

Laparoscopy can also be used to perform a dye test to check the tubes are working as part of fertility investigations.

Laparoscopic 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.