What Happens During Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery? Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you need to prepare for laparoscopic gynecological surgery or are just interested to learn about it, this guide is here for you.
In this blog, we will explain what happens before, during and after laparoscopic gynecological surgery, so you know, as a patient, what to expect, and what we as laparoscopic gynecologists do in Sharjah and Dubai.

Understanding Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery

What Is It?

This kind of surgery is called “minimally invasive” or “keyhole” surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Instead of one large cut, there are incisions approximately 0.5-1 cm! The laparoscope is a small camera that is put through one of the incisions. There is a tiny camera within that aids the surgeon in viewing your pelvic organs on the screen and guiding the surgical tools through small areas. This is the most commonly utilized procedure to: Diagnose and treat some gynecological diseases, for example, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, abnormal uterine malformations and causes of infertility Locate an intrauterine device (IUD) Find adhesions tissue that holds organs together Treat cancer. Due to the fact that this is laparoscopic surgery the pain levels or recovery time and scarring compared to open surgery are minimal.

Why Patients in Dubai & Sharjah Prefer It

• Options to receive treatment at leading hospitals like Medcare, Aster, or Thumbay.
• Access to experienced laparoscopic gynecologists, including specialists like Dr. Mona Saad.
• After these kinds of surgeries some patients may resume light activity in 1–2 days and return to work within 2–3 weeks which ensures quick return to daily routine

Your Pre-operative Checklist Before Surgery Day

Food and Drink

After midnight before your surgery, don’t eat or drink anything (not even water). Doing so helps reduce the risk of complications while in the anesthesia.

Lab Work & Screening

Your gynecologist can identify tests appropriate to your surgery. This can lead to tests like blood tests, ECG, ultrasound. If it is possible that you are pregnant, a pregnancy test is mandatory to order.

Medication Review

Bring a list of medications, supplements, and herbal products. Some of these may need to be held for a period of time (i.e. blood thinners).

Surgical Briefing

Written and verbal instructions around the surgery, post-operative protocols and risks of the surgery will be provided by your assigned nurse. It is your opportunity to discuss any concerns and questions you may have.

An Overview Of The Process: In The Operating Room

Step 1: Anesthesia

The surgery will begin with anesthesia. Undergoing general anesthesia, guarantees you will be completely asleep, as well as unaware of any pain during the surgery. Like all patients, you will awaken from anesthesia once the surgery is completed, with no recollection of the operation.

Step 2: Positioning and Access

After you fall asleep, the surgical team will position you in a specific orientation where your head is lower than your body (called the Trendelenburg position) to better access your pelvic region. First, the surgeon will make a small incision (often at or near your belly button). Depending on the complexity of your surgery, the surgeon may utilize one or more additional tiny incisions (known as ports).

Step 3: Insufflation

The surgeon will gently inflate your body by adding carbon dioxide gas to your abdominal cavity. The insufflation will give you added space to visualize, and work on your internal organs, and when you awaken, you may feel pressure or tightness in your abdomen due to this insufflation. This feeling is normal and will go away in time.

Step 4: Camera Insertion

A laparoscope (a thin tube with a lighted camera) is inserted through the initial incision, where it produces high-definition images of your pelvic organs on a monitor in the operating room for the surgeon to follow. You will neither feel nor see anything related to this process, but it is the technological advancement that allows the surgery to be controlled.

Step 5: Instrument Ports

The surgeon then uses the additional incisions to put surgical instruments into the abdomen. These instruments specialize in cutting, cauterizing, and moving tissue in ways that do not need large incisions.

Step 6: Carrying Out the Procedure

This is when the surgery happens, whatever the surgery is (removal of fibroids, endometriosis, repairing the fallopian tubes, or other feminine surgery). You will have no feeling whatsoever while this is happening because you are asleep. After surgery, you will feel pain, depending on the type of procedure and how much they did.

Step 7: Completion and Closure

Once the procedure is completed, carbon dioxide gas will come out of your belly. Your small incisions will be closed by the surgeon using sutures, glue, or surgical tape. Small dressings will be applied to your wounds. When you are in the recovery area, you might notice a little discomfort or heat as you awaken, as well as noticing these small bandages on the area of your incisions.

Length of time:

• Diagnostic procedure: ~30—60 minutes
• More complex (e.g., hysterectomy): 1-3 hours (or longer, depending on complexity)
• Your surgeon may convert to an open approach should he discover something unexpected, but this is rare.

After Surgery: Recovery & What to Expect

When you wake up expect:

• Drowsiness, Possible nausea
• Mild abdominal pain or pain in the tip of your shoulder (due to residual gas pressing on the diaphragm)
• Some movement or fluid will come out like clear discharge—not unusual

At Home Recovery Ideas:

• Gentle: Move often to minimize clot risk and help restore bowel function.
• Pain management: Take medications as prescribed. You can use over-the-counter analgesics too, as long as your doctor told you to use.
• Incision site management: Keep small incisions clean and dry; showering with a bathrobe is often a good way for the first few days.
• Know your warning signs: If you have a constant fever, pain becomes severe, bleeding is heavy, or you have a foul-smelling discharge from an incision, go directly to the hospital.

You should be able to return to your normal activities gradually. Light tasks of daily living within 1–2 days (gentle walking, sitting).
You will not be able to lift any heavy objects for 2–3 weeks, unless the minimum required by your doctor.

Follow-up visit: Usually around 1–2 weeks after the surgery to evaluate if your incisions are healing well and to discuss any results.
Many patients feel better much quicker compared to open surgery. Most patients are back to normal life within 2–3 weeks after a moderately complex surgery.

Final Thoughts

Laparoscopic gynecological surgery-conducted in Dubai or Sharjah-has proven to be successful with less recovery time, smaller scars, and higher patient satisfaction. If you have been told you need surgery for a fibroid, cyst, endometriosis, or other pelvic problem, then this type of minimally invasive procedure may be the next level of care for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is laparoscopic gynecological surgery, and how is it done?
Laparoscopic gynecological surgery is minimally invasive, meaning it is performed with small incisions, a camera and tools, to help diagnose and treat conditions. This can include issues like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis. Using this type of surgery can be advantageous because of the reduced recovery time and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

2. Where can I find skilled experts for laparoscopic surgery in Dubai?
You can find skilled experts for laparoscopic surgery in Dubai at reputable gynecology clinics and hospitals that have advanced equipment, trained professionals, and a strong commitment to patient care in order to produce a smooth recovery.

3. What are some possible conditions treated by laparoscopic gynecologic surgery in Sharjah?
Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery in Sharjah can treat a variety of conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic adhesions, with faster healing and scarring that is barely visible.

4. Why should I visit a laparoscopic gynaecologist in Sharjah?
Visiting a laparoscopic gynaecologist in Sharjah will make sure you receive expert patient care, reliable diagnosis, and the best minimally invasive treatment for your gynecological problem.

5. What is the recovery period for laparoscopic gynecological surgery in Sharjah?
Most patients recover in 2-4 weeks from laparoscopic gynecological surgery in Sharjah, with a minimal amount of discomfort and a quicker return to daily activities as compared to open surgery.