Before the procedure
This will normally be done as a day procedure, allowing you to come in and go home the same day. You will need to have someone at home with you afterwards and will not be able to drive home yourself. If you are using the Pill for contraception, continue this up until your operation. If you think that you may be pregnant, even just prior to the operation, you should let us know when you arrive.
You must not eat or drink anything from six hours before the operation.
How is it done?
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and a small telescope, called a laparoscope, is passed into your abdomen just below the navel. A smaller cut or two may be made lower down for a probe, to help see everything properly and allow any relevant treatment to be performed. The operation usually takes less than half an hour.
Why is it done?
The most common reason is for unexplained pain or as part of fertility investigations, to see if there is a cause. To check the tubes are open, a dye is passed through the cervix from below and the tubes are visualised to look for normal filling and spill of dye. If scar tissue (adhesions) or endometriosis is found, these can often be treated through the laparoscope at the same time. This will be discussed before and after the operation.
Operation complications
As with any operation, there is a small chance of complications. The main risks are bleeding that is difficult to control or unexpected damage to the bowel or bladder during the operation. Of course, every effort is taken to avoid these but despite the greatest care it can occur. For a straightforward diagnostic procedure the risk of injury is approximately 1 in 800. Where more complex surgery needs to be done, the risk is about 1 in 500.
After the operation
When you come round after the operation, you will probably feel drowsy and you may feel slightly sick. This will wear off after a few hours. You will normally be discharged on the same day as your operation, but should not go home alone. You may wish to organise to have some help at home when you first return. The surgical findings will be explained in detail and any follow up arrangements discussed. It can be helpful to have someone with you during these discussions.
Will it be painful?
There may be some pain or discomfort for up to 2 weeks, but it will be most uncomfortable for the first 2-3 days. This will be controlled with the painkillers given at the time of discharge. You may feel pain in your shoulders caused by trapped wind. If the pain becomes more distressing, it is important to let a doctor know. You should try to rest for the next few days - not necessarily in bed, but be guided by how strong you feel as to how much you do.
What about the scar?
You should keep the wound clean and uncovered. After a daily bath, make sure that it is dried thoroughly. If it becomes red and hot, please call the hospital, as this may be a sign of infection.
When can I drive?
You can start driving again when you feel able to do an 'emergency stop', but certainly not for the first 24 hours.
When can I go back to work?
You can return to work after a week if you feel comfortable. You will be given a sick note to cover this if required.
When can I resume sexual activity?
You may feel sore initially, but apart from this, it is safe to start again when you feel ready, unless advised otherwise after the operation.