Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery conveys many benefits over traditional or ‘open’ surgeries and diagnostic procedures. These include:

- Fewer complications, as the visual nature of the process allows the surgeon to see the entire area in detail
- Less scarring and no need for stitches
- Smaller incisions – ‘keyhole’ surgery
- More accurate diagnosis
- Less painful
- Shorter recovery times
- The surgeon has the option to initiate therapeutic interventions straight away (during the diagnostic procedure) if indicated
- Reduced risk of infection

It’s important to remember that every case is unique, and not everyone reacts to or recovers from surgery and anesthesia in the same way. Your health, age, and physical fitness may all have an impact on your experience.

In the case of laparoscopic surgeries, which are performed under general anaesthesia, you will typically need to take a few days off work to recover, depending on the type of surgery you’re having.

- Minor laparoscopic diagnostics or therapeutic interventions generally mean you can go home the same day, although you will need someone to drive you home and keep an eye on you overnight.
- More complex procedures, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy, will require you to stay at our facility overnight, and may require you to take a week or more off work to rest and allow your body to heal.

Before your surgery or diagnostic procedure, your fertility doctor will discuss the procedure in detail, including details on how many incisions will be made, when you’ll be able to shower again, and whether you need to fast or avoid drinking liquids 24 hours prior to the procedure.

In the case of hysteroscopic surgeries, which are performed under no/local/sedation anaesthetic (to numb the cervix), you will generally not need to stay overnight, and should be able to return to work after a day or two.

Most hysteroscopic procedures only take between 5 and 30 minutes, and taking a mild painkiller during/after the procedure is all that’s required.

As with all medical procedures, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy do come with certain risks, which our highly trained fertility surgeons will walk you through prior to your procedure.

Wijnland Fertility is extremely proud of our best-practice, evidence-based approach. The world class standard of our fertility specialists, surgery and services draws patients from across the country and internationally.

We understand that undergoing any fertility analysis or treatment can be scary, which is why we place so much importance on the psychological wellbeing of our patients, whichever stage of the process you are in.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of all of our gynaecological endoscopy service is knowing where you stand, and exactly what the underlying issues affecting your fertility are – so we can plan the next best move for you and your future family together!