The diseases that most women worry about are those related to menstruation, reproductive organs, and vaginal diseases. Treatment for these diseases, if mild, may only require medication as prescribed by a doctor. However, there are many cases that end up requiring surgical treatment, which is mostly done through open abdominal surgery, the traditional method, as it is the standard procedure. But since abdominal surgery involves a long incision depending on the type of surgery, it causes patients to suffer from wound pain, slow recovery, a high chance of wound infection, and wound separation. The aftermath of surgery is a large scar on the abdomen, making gynecological surgery something many women fear.
Nowadays, laparoscopic surgery is another option for women who need surgical treatment. This technology can reduce surgical complications effectively, cause less pain due to smaller incisions, and shorten recovery time. Therefore, laparoscopic surgery has gained much attention recently.
What is gynecological laparoscopic surgery?
Gynecological laparoscopic surgery can be divided into 2 types:
- Laparoscopy: Using a camera to view the organs in the abdominal cavity, especially the pelvic area, for diagnosis and surgery.
- Hysteroscopy: Using a camera inserted through the cervix to view the uterine cavity, diagnose abnormalities inside the uterus, and perform surgery without opening the abdominal wall or uterine wall, such as removing tumors inside the uterine cavity.
Which diseases can be treated with gynecological laparoscopic surgery?
- Uterine fibroids
- Early-stage cervical cancer
- Early-stage endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cysts
- Ectopic pregnancy
Diseases causing chronic abdominal pain
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian and uterine tumors
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Tubal ligation
- Treatment of infertility, such as removing and reconnecting blocked fallopian tubes
- Treatment of uterine cavity diseases
How is gynecological laparoscopic surgery performed?
The obstetrician will make small incisions about 0.5-1 centimeters through the abdominal wall or skin near the organ to be operated on, usually 1-4 incisions depending on the disease being treated. A tube with a light and a small camera that can clearly record images of the patient’s internal organs is inserted and transmitted to a monitor, allowing the obstetrician to clearly see the area to be operated on, resulting in precise and accurate surgical outcomes.
Postoperative care after gynecological laparoscopic surgery
- Strictly follow the doctor’s instructions.
- When allowed to eat, drink plenty of water and do not hold urine.
- Walk frequently to prevent abdominal adhesions.
- If any problems or abnormalities occur, consult a doctor or nurse.
- Attend follow-up physical and internal examinations as scheduled by the doctor.
How is gynecological laparoscopic surgery better than traditional surgery?
- Patients have small surgical wounds, unlike traditional surgery. The wounds are about 0.5-1 centimeters each, totaling 3-4 small incisions on the lower abdominal wall.
- Because the incisions are small, postoperative pain is less than traditional methods, so strong painkillers are usually not necessary.
- Patients can walk within 1 day after surgery, perform personal activities independently, have more comfort, and can be discharged to recover at home sooner. Most patients stay in the hospital for about 1-3 days after surgery.
- Recovery time is shorter than traditional methods; patients usually recover at home within 1-2 weeks and can return to work normally.
- There is less occurrence of adhesions and postoperative complications compared to traditional methods.
Limitations of gynecological laparoscopic surgery
- This type of surgery cannot be used for all patients. For example, patients with very large tumors over 15 centimeters may not be suitable for laparoscopic surgery.
- Patients with underlying diseases such as diaphragmatic hernia, lung disease, or heart disease cannot undergo laparoscopic surgery.
- Patients with excessive adhesions in the abdominal or pelvic cavity, such as those with previous infections in the abdomen or pelvis or those who have had multiple abdominal surgeries.
- Only specialized surgeons trained and experienced in laparoscopic surgery can perform this procedure.
Dr. Aranya Yantapan
Specialist in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
