Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical approach primarily used by gynaecologists and other specialist surgeons to investigate, diagnose and operate on organs within the abdominal or pelvic region of the body.

The surgeon uses a special instrument known as a laparoscope, which is a small, thin, tube-like instrument with a light source and camera that relays images from inside the patient to a computer monitor. With the laparoscope, the surgeon can view internal organs, take biopsies (tissue samples) or treat a presenting problem.

Laparoscopy is otherwise known as laparoscopic keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery because it only requires  a small incision to access the abdominal or pelvic area without the need for a large incision that is usually associated with traditional open surgery. It is only performed under general anaesthesia, meaning patients are unconscious during the procedure.

  • Minimal to no scarring
  • Reduced pain and bleeding
  • Shorter hospital stays, and,
  • Faster recovery times

What are the types of Laparoscopy Dr Sabary can conduct?

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Some of the conditions Dr Sabary can diagnose using laparoscopy can include:

 

●     Endometriosis

●     Uterine fibroids

●     Ovarian cysts or tumours

●     Ectopic pregnancy

●     Pelvic adhesions

●     Infertility

●     Pelvic inflammatory disease
laparoscopy

Operative Laparoscopy

Some conditions Dr Sabary can treat using laparoscopy can include:

 

●     Hysterectomy

●     Fibroid removal

●     Endometrial tissue ablation

●     Removal of ovaries & cysts

●     Tubal removal

●     Adhesion removal

 
Advanced Laparoscopy

Advanced Laparoscopy

Advanced laparoscopic surgery
(a procedure also called robotic surgery) involves a series of mechanical arms attached with surgical instruments & cameras that Dr Sabary controls while seated at a computer console near the operating table.Hand movements are translated into precise movements within the operative site. The result is less invasive surgery with minimal scarring.

How will I know if I need laparoscopic surgery?

If you present with a diagnostic or treatment-based issue like the ones listed above, your treating Doctor may refer you to Dr Sabary for further investigation and possible treatment.

At your initial appointment with Dr Sabary, he will review and discuss your medical history, complete and/or schedule the necessary examinations and tests, listen and address your concerns, take the time to discuss your current situation, and review the before, during and after of your laparoscopic procedure.

laparoscopy

Please note that Dr Sabary takes on both privately insured patients and not insured and you will need a GP referral before your first appointment. He is based at the St John of God Hospital and he can refer you to University Hospital Geelong to be in the waiting list if surgery needed. If you would like to make an appointment, please contact Dr Sabary’s admin team.

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Laparoscopic keyhole surgery

WHAT HAPPENS DURING LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?

Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning the patient is unconscious for the duration of the procedure. Once the patient is unconscious, a small needle is used to fill your abdomen with non-toxic medical gas. This provides space between the abdominal wall and the internal organs, which minimises the likelihood of injury.

What happens next depends on the type of procedure.

For diagnostic laparoscopic procedures, Dr Sabary will make a small laparoscopic incision and insert the laparoscope, which transmits images to a screen, giving him a clear view of your organs.

For Operative and Advanced Laparoscopic procedures, multiple incisions (up to 4) may be made, enabling Dr Sabary to utilise the required surgical instruments to complete the procedure.

Once the procedure is over, all instruments are removed and (depending on their location and size) incisions may either be stitched closed or sealed and bandaged. At this stage, the patient is sent to recovery. Depending on the type of procedure completed and the patient’s postoperative condition, they may be permitted to go home that day.

What is robotic surgery and when is it used?

For more intricate and complex procedures, Dr Sabary may use the da Vinci robot  which is located at St John Of God Hospital. Using the latest da Vinci Xi technology and software, Dr Sabary can conduct Single-Site Surgical procedures in selected cases to conduct hysterectomies and treat a range of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, removal of cysts and fibroids.

Robotic surgery involves making a small incision, 7mm in the belly button, before curved cannulas are inserted. The system allows Dr Sabary’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. The result is less invasive surgery with very minimal scarring.

Advanced Laparoscopy

Dr Sabary is one of only a few gynaecologists in Australia qualified to use da Vinci robotic technology after having completed an accreditation course in the United States in 2017. That same year, Dr Sabary became the first gynaecologist in regional Australia to successfully complete this cutting-edge surgery using robotic technology. He has since completed many single-site surgeries, empowering women across Geelong and the Greater Surf Coast with access to innovative and state-or-the-art healthcare options usually only available in capital cities.

Because every patient and their circumstances are different, Dr Sabary will complete a full assessment and discuss with you the results, options available and potential outcomes with you before advising on whether surgery with a da Vinci system is appropriate.

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Robotic surgery

Does laparoscopic surgery carry any risks?

Like every other type of surgery, laparoscopic surgery has some associated risks. Again, the types of presenting risks and their likelihood will depend on the circumstances of the patient and the type of procedure to be conducted.

During scheduled appointments, Dr Sabary will cover with the patient in detail the benefits and risks of laparoscopy as they apply to their condition, before scheduling the procedure takes place.

All patients will also receive comprehensive pre and post-operative instructions to optimise the procedure and subsequent recovery.

Here are some frequently asked questions Dr Sabary encounters

As the anaesthetic wears off, you can feel a little nauseous and sore. This is completely normal and something that wears off relatively quickly. Incision sites will be tender, and there may be some bruising on your stomach. The gas used during the procedure may also make your chest, middle, and shoulders ache. For patients with lingering soreness or nausea, painkillers may be prescribed to help manage discomfort.

Whilst serious complications are rare, you are advised to call your Doctor should you continue / start to experience:

  • chronic nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting
  • pus or significant bleeding at your incision site
  • fever of 38°C or higher
  • pain when you go to the toilet 

Yes there are. Whilst the list below is not exhaustive, these are some of the more common conditions encountered that have the potential to increase risk.

  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Obesity
  • Chronic endometriosis
  • Pelvic infection
  • Chronic bowel disease

Should you have any of these conditions, or others that could elevate risk, we will discuss these in detail during our appointment together.

Dr Sabary specialises in laparoscopy and advanced laparoscopic surgery and can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of gynaecological issues.

Alternatively, call Dr Sabary’s friendly administrative staff who are ready to help you.

Working Hours

 Day  Time
 Monday  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
 Wednesday  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
 Thursday  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
 Weekend & Public Holidays  Closed

Phone: 03 5223 1849
Fax: 03 5223 1273
Contact Dr Sabary Room by Email