Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Medical Director & Clinical Governance Officer (CGO) of Monash IVF Singapore
Medical Director of Health & Fertility Centre for Women
Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Surgery Singapore
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a range of gynaecological conditions. By using small incisions and specialised instruments, laparoscopic surgery may offer benefits such as reduced pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery for suitable patients.
When Is Laparoscopic Surgery Recommended?
Laparoscopic surgery may be recommended for the diagnosis or treatment of a range of gynaecological conditions, including:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic adhesions
- Fallopian tube conditions
- Persistent pelvic pain
For some women, laparoscopic surgery may help diagnose the cause of infertility or treat conditions that affect reproductive function. The decision to proceed with surgery will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, fertility goals, and individual treatment needs.
Types of Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Procedures
Different minimally invasive procedures may be recommended depending on your symptoms, diagnosis, fertility goals, and treatment needs.
| Procedure | What It Involves | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Surgery | A fine telescope is inserted through small abdominal incisions to examine and treat conditions affecting the pelvic organs. | Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic adhesions, ectopic pregnancy, and selected fertility-related conditions. |
| Hysteroscopic Surgery | A thin telescope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus. | Endometrial polyps, submucosal fibroids, and other conditions affecting the uterine cavity. |
| Hydrotubation | A coloured dye is passed through the uterus to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open. | Fertility assessment and evaluation of possible tubal blockage. |
Laparoscopic Surgery
What It Involves
A fine telescope is inserted through small abdominal incisions to examine and treat conditions affecting the pelvic organs.
Common Uses
Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic adhesions, ectopic pregnancy, and selected fertility-related conditions.
Hysteroscopic Surgery
What It Involves
A thin telescope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus.
Common Uses
Endometrial polyps, submucosal fibroids, and other conditions affecting the uterine cavity.
Hydrotubation
What It Involves
A coloured dye is passed through the uterus to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Common Uses
Fertility assessment and evaluation of possible tubal blockage.
Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your symptoms, examination findings, and treatment goals. In some cases, more than one procedure may be performed as part of the same treatment plan.
The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the condition being treated,
your individual medical circumstances, and your treatment goals. A consultation with Dr Kelly Loi can help determine whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable for your needs.
Get in touch 6235 5066
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
Before recommending laparoscopic surgery, your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, fertility plans, previous surgeries, and current medications. Investigations such as pelvic ultrasound, blood tests, or other imaging studies may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate.
Laparoscopic surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. Small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow a laparoscope and specialised surgical instruments to be inserted. Depending on the condition being treated, the procedure may be used to diagnose a problem, remove abnormal tissue, treat disease, or perform fertility-related assessments such as hydrotubation.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual factors. Some patients may be discharged on the same day, while others may require a short hospital stay.
Common temporary symptoms after laparoscopic surgery may include:
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Shoulder-tip pain caused by residual gas used during surgery
- Soreness around the incision sites
- Light vaginal bleeding
Most patients can return to light daily activities within a few days, although recovery timelines vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Your doctor will provide guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and discuss any findings from surgery.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is suitable for many women and can be used to treat a wide range of gynaecological conditions. However, laparoscopic surgery may not be recommended for patients with:
- Severe heart or lung conditions that may increase the risks associated with surgery or general anaesthesia
- Severe bleeding with unstable blood pressure requiring urgent intervention
- Certain complex medical or surgical situations where an alternative approach may be considered safer or more appropriate
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, laparoscopic surgery carries certain risks. While complications are uncommon, it is important to understand the potential risks before proceeding with treatment.
Following surgery, it is common to experience temporary side effects such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, shoulder-tip pain, or soreness around the incision sites. These symptoms typically improve as recovery progresses.
Although uncommon, complications can occur and may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, reactions to anaesthesia, or injury to nearby structures such as the bladder, bowel, ureters, or blood vessels. In certain situations, conversion to open surgery may be necessary to ensure patient safety or to complete the procedure effectively.
Contact your doctor promptly if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fever
- Worsening abdominal pain
- Increasing abdominal swelling or bloating
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound
- Difficulty passing urine
- Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving
Explore Minimally Invasive Treatment Options with Dr Kelly Loi
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach used to diagnose and treat a wide range of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic adhesions, and selected fertility-related concerns. By using small incisions and specialised surgical techniques, laparoscopic surgery may offer benefits such as reduced postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, and faster recovery for suitable patients.
At Health & Fertility Centre for Women, treatment plans are tailored to each patient's symptoms, diagnosis, reproductive goals, and overall health. A thorough assessment can help determine whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate and whether additional procedures such as hysteroscopy or hydrotubation may be beneficial.
As a senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Kelly Loi has extensive experience in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, fertility-related procedures, and the management of complex gynaecological conditions. She works closely with patients to develop personalised treatment plans that support both symptom relief and long-term reproductive health where relevant.
If you would like to learn more about laparoscopic surgery or discuss your treatment options, schedule a consultation with us today.
Dr Kelly Loi
Medical Director
BMBCh (Oxford), FRCOG (UK), FAMS (Singapore)
Dr Kelly Loi is the Medical Director of Health & Fertility Centre for Women and Monash IVF Singapore. She is known for her work in fertility and women’s health, with a focus on providing personalised and evidence-based care for women at different stages of their reproductive journey.
Dr Loi’s clinical interests include fertility, gynaecology, obstetrics, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery. She supports women through a wide range of reproductive and gynaecological concerns, including polycystic ovary disease, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
She has also completed clinical attachments at internationally recognised institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, further deepening her experience in fertility care and reproductive medicine.
Gynaecology Services We Provide
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Thank you for considering our clinic. For further information, feel free to contact us at 6235 5066 or submit your enquiry using the form below. We will get back to you promptly.
3 Mount Elizabeth, #15-16, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 6235 5066Fax: (65) 6235 6455 Answering Service: (65) 6535 8833Email: info@healthfertility.com.sg
