Laparoscopy

Gynecological laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical approach used to examine and treat conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, and surrounding structures. Instead of a larger abdominal incision, the surgeon works through small openings in the abdomen using a camera and specialized laparoscopic instruments. In gynecology, laparoscopy may be used for diagnosis, treatment, or both during the same surgical setting.

Patients usually start considering laparoscopy when symptoms, imaging findings, or previous examinations suggest a condition that cannot be fully managed with a standard outpatient visit. Common reasons include pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, suspected endometriosis, fibroids, infertility evaluation, fallopian tube disease, uterine prolapse, or a condition where a less invasive surgical approach may be appropriate. On ZagrebMed, gynecological laparoscopy is structured as an umbrella service that connects patients with more specific laparoscopic procedures performed according to diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, and treatment goals.

When gynecological laparoscopy is used

Laparoscopy can help the gynecologist see pelvic organs directly and treat selected conditions through small incisions. It may be recommended after a gynecological examination, ultrasound, MRI, laboratory testing, or previous treatment history shows that surgical evaluation or treatment is needed. The exact indication depends on the patient’s symptoms, reproductive plans, age, general health, previous surgeries, and the type of gynecological condition involved.

In some cases, laparoscopy is mainly diagnostic. This means it is used to inspect the pelvis, confirm or clarify a suspected diagnosis, and decide on the next treatment step. In other cases, it is therapeutic, meaning the surgeon treats the condition during the same procedure. Examples include removing an ovarian cyst, treating endometriosis lesions, removing fibroids, addressing fallopian tube disease, or performing hysterectomy when medically indicated.

Common laparoscopic gynecological procedures

Because laparoscopy is a surgical method rather than one single operation, the most useful approach is to connect this page with the specific laparoscopic procedures available within ZagrebMed. Depending on the diagnosis and specialist recommendation, gynecological laparoscopy may include:

• laparoscopic salpingectomy, usually performed when one or both fallopian tubes need to be removed
• laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and uteropexy, used in selected cases of pelvic organ prolapse
• laparoscopic ovarian fibroadenoma removal, when a benign ovarian tumor is treated surgically
• laparoscopic ovarian endometrioma treatment, used for ovarian cysts related to endometriosis
• laparoscopic myomectomy, used to remove selected uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus
• laparoscopic hysterectomy, used when removal of the uterus is medically indicated
• laparoscopic surgery for deep pelvic endometriosis, used in selected patients with deep endometriotic lesions
• diagnostic laparoscopy, used to examine the pelvis when symptoms or imaging require further clarification
• laparoscopic cystectomy, used for selected ovarian cysts or other cystic pelvic changes
• laparoscopic adnexectomy, used when removal of the ovary, fallopian tube, or adnexal structures is indicated

Who performs gynecological laparoscopy at ZagrebMed

Gynecological laparoscopic procedures are performed by Dr. Mario Coric, a gynecologist and urogynecologist with a clinical focus that includes endometriosis and minimally invasive gynecological surgery. His background includes education in gynecological oncology, laparoscopic gynecological surgery, and minimally invasive surgery, with additional training related to laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis.

The procedures are available through Agram, where gynecology is part of a broader diagnostic and surgical care pathway. This is important for patients because laparoscopy often requires coordinated preoperative evaluation, anesthesia planning, surgical treatment, and postoperative follow-up.

How the laparoscopy pathway usually works

Step 1: Specialist evaluation

The pathway usually begins with a gynecological consultation. The specialist reviews symptoms, previous findings, medical history, prior surgeries, menstrual and reproductive history, medication use, and the patient’s goals. For example, the decision-making process may be different for a patient with pelvic pain, a patient with suspected endometriosis, a patient with an ovarian cyst, or a patient considering hysterectomy.

Step 2: Imaging and treatment planning

Before laparoscopy, the gynecologist usually reviews imaging such as ultrasound or MRI when relevant. Imaging helps define the location and size of ovarian cysts, endometriomas, fibroids, pelvic masses, or suspected deep endometriosis. Preoperative planning also considers whether the procedure is expected to be diagnostic only or whether operative treatment is likely during the same surgical setting.

Step 3: Preparation before surgery

Preparation may include laboratory tests, anesthesia assessment, medication review, instructions about fasting, and guidance on which medications should be paused or continued. Some patients may need additional evaluation depending on age, general health, previous operations, or the complexity of the planned procedure. Patients should bring previous gynecological findings, imaging results, operative reports, discharge letters, and a current medication list.

Step 4: Treatment day

Gynecological laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen, introduces a laparoscope with a camera, and uses specialized instruments to examine or treat the pelvic organs. Carbon dioxide gas is commonly used to create working space inside the abdomen. The exact surgical steps depend on the indication, such as cyst removal, treatment of endometriosis, removal of a fallopian tube, fibroid surgery, prolapse surgery, or hysterectomy.

Step 5: Recovery and follow-up

Recovery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. Some diagnostic or simpler operative laparoscopies may allow discharge the same day or after a short hospital stay, while more complex procedures may require longer monitoring. Patients receive instructions about wound care, pain medication, activity limits, showering, return to work, sexual activity, and warning signs that should prompt medical contact.

Key facts about gynecological laparoscopy

• Type of treatment: minimally invasive gynecological surgery
• Typical setting: hospital or surgical day-care setting
• Anesthesia: usually general anesthesia
• Common uses: diagnosis and treatment of selected pelvic and reproductive system conditions
• Recovery: varies by procedure complexity, diagnosis, and patient factors
• Suitability: decided after specialist evaluation and review of findings

Results and realistic expectations

The result of gynecological laparoscopy depends on why the procedure is performed. Diagnostic laparoscopy may clarify the cause of symptoms and guide further treatment. Operative laparoscopy may remove or treat a specific condition, such as an ovarian cyst, endometrioma, fibroid, fallopian tube pathology, or prolapse-related problem. In endometriosis, the goal may be to reduce disease burden, improve symptoms, support fertility planning, or help create a clearer long-term treatment strategy, depending on the case.

Results are not the same for every patient. They depend on the diagnosis, disease stage, surgical complexity, previous treatment, previous operations, age, fertility goals, general health, and follow-up care. Some patients recover quickly from a simpler procedure, while others need a more structured recovery period after complex endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, prolapse surgery, or extensive adhesiolysis.

Risks, limitations, and precautions

Laparoscopy is less invasive than open abdominal surgery, but it is still surgery. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, pain, anesthesia-related reactions, blood clots, injury to nearby organs, conversion to open surgery, delayed healing, or the need for further treatment. The risk profile is different for diagnostic laparoscopy, cystectomy, endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, and prolapse surgery.

Patients should follow the postoperative instructions given by the surgeon and contact the medical team if they develop fever, increasing abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, worsening wound redness or discharge, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe nausea, or symptoms that feel unusual after discharge. The safest treatment plan is always based on specialist evaluation, confirmed diagnosis, and a clear discussion of alternatives, benefits, and limitations.

If you are considering gynecological laparoscopy in Zagreb, ZagrebMed can help organize an inquiry, review the relevant medical documentation, and connect you with the appropriate gynecological surgical pathway at Agram with Dr. Mario Coric.