Exploring how laparoscopy is bringing change to women’s healthcare
By Dr. Shaik Nilofer Saleem, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children
Gynaecological health concerns such as painful periods, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and fertility challenges affect a significant number of women, yet many continue to suffer in silence. While hysterectomy often dominates public discourse, numerous other conditions profoundly impact women’s well-being. Fortunately, advances in medical science have transformed the way these issues are treated.
Hospital stays are shorter, large surgical scars are no longer inevitable, and recovery times have been significantly reduced. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy—using small incisions and advanced imaging—are revolutionising care by minimising physical trauma and accelerating healing. This quiet evolution in women’s healthcare is empowering more women to seek timely treatment and regain control over their health with confidence.
The Growth of Laparoscopy in Gynaecology
Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, has led to a revolution in gynaecology. This technique, which involves small cuts, a camera, and delicate tools, allows doctors to do complicated surgeries with more accuracy and less harm to the body.
Most people know about hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed, but not everyone realises that many other gynaecologic surgeries can now be done using laparoscopy. These procedures give women safer and faster options with less pain.
It’s Not Just About Hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy has traditionally been defined as the gynaecologic surgery for most. Hysterectomies are still among the most common surgeries, but they are no longer the only option. Improvements in medical technology now allow doctors to perform many important but less familiar surgeries using laparoscopy. These modern methods often lead to faster healing and better outcomes.
**Surgeries You Might Not Know Are Done **
Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal): To remove fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, laparoscopic myomectomy offers an option. It helps women minimise tissue damage and recover more quickly, all while preserving the uterus.
Ovarian Cystectomy (Removal of Ovarian Cysts): Doctors can now remove cysts from ovaries, whether it is simple or complex, by preserving most of the healthy ovarian tissue. This option works well for the younger women.
Endometriosis Treatment: Laparoscopy allows doctors to see and remove endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. This tissue often causes pelvic pain and leads to infertility, and this method provides better accuracy.
Adhesiolysis (Taking Care of Pelvic Adhesions): Pelvic adhesions, often caused by past infections or surgeries, can lead to chronic pain and impact fertility. Laparoscopic removal of these adhesions offers relief with minimal risk.”
Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment: Doctors now use laparoscopy to remove ectopic pregnancies. This method lowers the risk of lasting harm to the body.
Surgeries on Fallopian Tubes: Surgeons perform procedures like tubal sterilisation or clearing blocked fallopian tubes using laparoscopy. Women wanting to plan their family or address infertility often turn to these options.
Why Laparoscopy Stands Out Over Old Techniques
Open surgeries used to rely on big cuts, longer hospital visits, and noticeable scars. Laparoscopy offers lots of benefits that make it a better choice:
- Smaller cuts with any visible scars
- Quicker recovery after the surgery
- Shorter hospital time and sometimes even going home the same day
- Reduced chances of infections or complications
- Lower blood loss with less pain afterwards
- Saves fertility in many situations
This method lowers physical strain and makes the emotional toll of surgery easier to handle.
Transforming Women’s Health.
Women have spent years either putting off or avoiding gynaecologic procedures because older methods were too invasive. Now, laparoscopy is quietly bringing change. More women seek early diagnosis and care since surgery no longer leads to long recovery times or big disruptions to their routines.
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) reports that over 60% of gynaecologic surgeries in city hospitals now use laparoscopy. These numbers are increasing in smaller towns as well.
Understanding Comes First To Feel Empowered. A lot of women still connect surgery with things like fear, pain, and extended recovery time. Learning about less invasive techniques like laparoscopy can shift these views. Sharing knowledge about these lesser-known but life-changing procedures encourages women to get help earlier, make thoughtful choices, and approach their health with confidence.
Gynaecology is heading toward a future that’s not advanced but also caring, accurate, and full of potential.
