Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

Advanced laparoscopic surgery (also referred to as keyhole surgery) is a minimally invasive surgery that reduces trauma and recovery time due to small incisions. This procedure involves a small telescope (or laparoscope) inserted via a small incision, often through the belly button, to view the abdominal and pelvic organs. 

During your first consultation with Dr Joseph you will be asked a series of questions about yourself, allowing you the time to express how you’ve been feeling and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Once Joseph has a clear understanding of your past and current health concerns, an appropriate body examination will be done (if necessary) to provide further information to Dr Joseph about your condition and it’s treatment. He will then take the time to explain in detail, what to expect prior, during and following your advanced laparoscopic surgery – helping you to feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

You may be referred to Dr Joseph if you have been experiencing the following symptoms:

• Pelvic pain: This procedure may be performed in cases of urinary incontinence or other pelvic issues such as a pelvic organ prolapse.
• Ovarian cysts: Developed on the ovaries, some Ovarian Cysts will disappear independently; however, this procedure will safely remove the cyst when surgery is required.
• Endometriosis: When medication is ineffective, this procedure can examine the pelvis to determine the presence of endometriosis tissue and the need for surgical removal.
• Fibroids: An abnormal growth on or outside the uterus wall is known as a Fibroid. Sometimes cancerous surgery will be required to ensure their proper removal
  
• Requirement for a hysterectomy: Advanced laparoscopic surgery is used in cases where the removal of the uterus is required, also known as a hysterectomy.
• Cancer: In cases of ovarian cancer, advanced laparoscopic surgery is utilised to address the issue.

Dr Joseph offers emergency and elective laparoscopic surgery inclusive of the following procedures:

• Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for the removal of adhesions
• Laparoscopic tubal ligation as a permanent contraception method
• Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomies, oophorectomies, and salpingectomies
• Diagnostic laparoscopy (assessment of tubal patency, also known as a dye study)
• Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancies

By choosing Dr Sgroi to perform your procedure, you’ll be supported every step of the way by a skilled practitioner who cares deeply for your wellbeing. Graduating from Monash University in 1998, Dr Joseph was soon accredited by the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) – an accreditation that recognises doctors for providing the highest standards of healthcare to their patients.

Advanced laparoscopic surgery can be performed with two different methods depending on the intent of the surgery:

• Diagnostic laparoscopy
• Operative laparoscopy

Diagnostic laparoscopy

Diagnostic Laparoscopy is performed by making one small incision at the base of the navel and another at the top of the pubic hairline. These incisions allow Dr Joseph to use specialised surgical tools to view and diagnose the relevant condition. 

This process reduces scarring, post-operative pain and recovery time. The incisions are very small and will not require sutures when the procedure is complete. Any resulting scars will be small and should fade gradually over time.

Operative laparoscopy

Operative Laparoscopy is similar to diagnostic laparoscopy though a third small incision is required in the lower left side of the abdomen. In cases of a more complicated procedure, there may be the requirement for a fourth small incision in the right lower abdomen.

Dr Joseph will then pump warmed, humidified medical gas into the abdominal cavity, creating space for the specialist operation.

Please note: Minor procedures should take less than one hour with full recovery expected within a few days. Longer operations can take a number of hours with recovery taking up to four weeks.

While there is an element of risk associated with any surgical procedure, these are lowered significantly due to Dr Joseph’s many years of experience. For advanced laparoscopic surgery, the risks and benefits can vary considerably based on individual circumstances.

To determine the risks relevant to you, an appointment with Dr Joseph is required as the first step to assess your situation and suitability for this procedure. During this consultation, Dr Joseph will alleviate any concerns you may have and provide detailed information about the procedure with comprehensive pre-and post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

The recovery time for advanced laparoscopic surgery depends on several factors unique to the individual situation. All patients experience differing healing abilities, and the severity of your procedure can also play a part.

As a rough guideline, minor procedures should expect a full recovery within a few days. However, for larger operations, recovery can take up to four weeks.

There are many benefits that lead to patients opting for an advanced laparoscopy instead of the conventional method. These can include:

• A faster recovery time
• Minimised post-operative pain or infection
• Shortened duration of hospital stay
• Small to no scarring