Gynaecological Laparoscopy Explained | Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz

Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery): When Is It Used?

Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz Last reviewed: 25 September 2026 2 min read

In short: Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery performed with a camera and fine instruments through 0.5-1 cm incisions in the abdominal wall. It is used for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, tubal problems and hysterectomy. Compared with open surgery it offers less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and smaller scars. Operations take place at a partner hospital.

When is laparoscopy used?

Removal of ovarian cysts (cystectomy)
Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
Removal of suitable fibroids (myomectomy)
Treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Assessing the tubes in infertility; treating fluid-filled tubes (hydrosalpinx) before IVF
Emergencies such as ovarian torsion
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Tubal ligation
Some procedures for stress incontinence and prolapse

How is it done?

Under general anaesthesia, the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide through the navel and a camera is inserted. The procedure is performed through 2-3 small lower incisions. It takes from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the operation.

Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz is a co-author of a study on single-port laparoscopic surgery for urinary incontinence.

Recovery

Most patients go home the same or next day.
Shoulder pain from the gas passes within 1-2 days.
Most women return to daily activities within 1-2 weeks; longer after major operations.
Scars are very small.

Risks

Laparoscopy is safe, but as with any surgery there are risks of bleeding, infection and, rarely, injury to bowel, bladder or blood vessels. Conversion to open surgery is sometimes needed. Risks are discussed in detail beforehand.

Fertility and laparoscopy

For women planning pregnancy, preserving ovarian tissue and the tubes is a priority. Assessing ovarian reserve before endometriosis or cyst surgery helps plan the right order of surgery and IVF.

Where procedures are performed
Births and surgeries are performed at Anlaşmalı Hastane. Examination, planning and follow-up take place at the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I try to conceive after laparoscopy?

It depends on the procedure. After diagnostic laparoscopy or cyst surgery, usually after the first period; a longer wait is advised after myomectomy.

Is laparoscopy painful?

It is done under general anaesthesia. Mild to moderate pain afterwards is controlled with pain relief.

Sources

ESHRE Guideline: Endometriosis, 2022.
ACOG Committee Opinion No. 701: Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease, 2017.
Laparoscopic single-port Burch colposuspension with an extraperitoneal approach and standard instruments for stress urinary incontinence: early results from a series of 15 patients. Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies, 2013.
Effect of the Macroplastique Implantation System for stress urinary incontinence in women with or without a history of an anti-incontinence operation. International Urogynecology Journal, 2011.

The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.

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