A diagnostic laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat conditions in the stomach and pelvis, such as endometriosis, appendicitis, or ovarian cysts.
Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, recovery is usually quicker than with open surgery. Most people can go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Here, we explain what diagnostic laparoscopy involves, what to expect from recovery, and the benefits of having your procedure with Ramsay Health Care.
What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to view inside your abdomen or pelvis using a thin tube with a fibre-optic light and camera at the end, called a laparoscope. The laparoscope sends images to a monitor, giving your surgeon a clear view of your internal organs.
This type of laparoscopic surgery is performed when a doctor needs to investigate the cause of pain, swelling, or other unexplained symptoms. It can help diagnose conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
There are two main types of laparoscopies:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy, which is used to look inside and identify the cause of a problem
- Operative laparoscopy, where treatment is performed at the same time as the diagnostic laparoscopy to correct the issue. For example, removing scar tissue, cysts, or treating endometriosis.
Because a diagnostic laparoscopy is minimally invasive, it typically involves smaller incisions, less pain, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
What happens during a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform. The operation is usually done under general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
Once you’re in theatre and anaesthetised, your surgeon will follow these steps:
- A small incision (cut) is made in your abdomen, usually near your belly button.
- Carbon dioxide gas is gently introduced into your abdomen to inflate it slightly, giving the surgeon more space to see and work.
- The laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) is inserted through the incision, transmitting live images to a video screen.
- If additional treatment is needed (for example, to remove tissue, cysts, or endometriosis), your surgeon may make one or more small extra incisions to insert fine surgical instruments.
- When the procedure is finished, the carbon dioxide gas will be released from your abdomen, and your small incisions will be closed with stitches and then covered with a dressing.
After the operation, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where your medical team will monitor you as the anaesthetic wears off. Most patients are able to go home the same day once they feel comfortable and stable.
Why would a diagnostic laparoscopy be done?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is performed to help identify the cause of symptoms, such as abdominal or pelvic pain, swelling, or unexplained bleeding. It allows your surgeon to look closely at your internal organs and tissues, and if necessary, take small samples (biopsies) for testing.
One of the most common reasons for having this type of laparoscopy is to diagnose endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility issues. You can read more about how laparoscopy can be used to diagnose endometriosis.
Other conditions that may be investigated using laparoscopic surgery include:
- Fibroids – non-cancerous growths in or around the womb.
- Ovarian cysts – fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a bacterial infection of the upper genital tract (womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries).
- Ectopic pregnancy – when a pregnancy develops outside the womb.
- Pelvic floor disorders – such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
- Fertility problems – including blocked fallopian tubes.
- Hernias – the intrusion of an organ through the muscle wall of the abdomen.
- Appendicitis – painful inflammation of the appendix.
- Liver and gallbladder disease – a range of conditions that affect the liver or gallbladder, including gallstones.
- Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain – pain that hasn’t been diagnosed via other procedures, such as CT or ultrasound scanning.
- Unexplained bleeding – diagnostic laparoscopy can identify the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding where other diagnostic procedures haven’t been able to.
- Suspected cancers – such as ovarian, liver, or pancreatic cancer, where tissue samples may be taken for further analysis.
At Ramsay Health Care, our experienced surgeons use advanced laparoscopic techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning, helping you get the answers and care you need as quickly as possible.
How long does a diagnostic laparoscopy take?
The length of time this type of laparoscopy can take varies depending on your individual case, but most procedures take around 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
You’ll be in theatre for a little longer to allow time for the anaesthetic to begin to work. After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where our team will monitor you as you wake up and make sure that you’re comfortable before you return home or to your hospital room.
If you have any questions or concerns about how long your laparoscopy might take, your Ramsay Health Care consultant will be happy to discuss this with you.
Will any additional procedures be performed during my diagnostic laparoscopy?
In some cases, your surgeon may perform additional procedures during a diagnostic laparoscopy if a problem can be treated straight away. Using the same laparoscopic technique, this allows both diagnosis and treatment to be completed in one operation, helping to avoid the need for further surgery.
Common additional procedures include:
- Treating endometriosis
- Removing ovarian cysts
- Treating an ectopic pregnancy
- Taking biopsy samples (small tissue samples) to help diagnose possible cancers or other conditions.
Your Ramsay consultant will explain in advance if there’s a possibility that additional laparoscopic treatment may be needed during your procedure.
How to prepare for a laparoscopy?
Your Ramsay Health Care team will give you clear, personalised instructions to follow before your laparoscopy. In general, you should:
- Avoid eating or drinking for a set period before your laparoscopic surgery
- Stop taking certain medications beforehand, such as blood thinners, as advised by your medical team.
- Have a shower or bath using unperfumed soap the evening before or on the morning of your operation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after your laparoscopy.
You can also read more about what to expect during your stay with Ramsay Health Care.
Diagnostic laparoscopy recovery
A diagnostic laparoscopy is usually a day case procedure, meaning you’ll normally be able to go home the same day as your operation.
You may feel a bit groggy or disorientated as the anaesthetic wears off. This is completely normal and should improve within a few hours.
Some pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen is common for a day or two after your operation. The carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your abdomen may also cause temporary bloating or shoulder pain. We’ll provide pain relief as needed to help keep you comfortable.
You may also feel tired as your body recovers, so it’s important to rest and avoid strenuous activity. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within about five days, depending on how quickly they heal.
Laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis
Endometriosis is a relatively common gynaecological condition, affecting around one in ten women, and can cause pelvic pain, painful or heavy periods, and difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those that line the womb (endometrial cells) grow outside the uterus, usually in the pelvis or abdomen.
A diagnostic laparoscopy is one of the most effective ways to diagnose endometriosis. This minimally invasive endometriosis surgery allows your surgeon to view your pelvic organs in detail and identify any abnormal growths. In many cases, treatment can be carried out during the same procedure using laparoscopic instruments guided by the camera.
Read more about how laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis.
Potential risks and complications of a diagnostic laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery is a common and generally safe procedure, and serious complications are rare. However, as with any type of surgery, there are some potential risks to be aware of.
Minor complications of a diagnostic laparoscopy may include:
- Slight bleeding or bruising around the incision site.
- An infection in the incision.
- A urinary infection.
- Mild nausea or vomiting after anaesthetic.
More serious but uncommon complications can include:
- A hernia developing at the incision site.
- Damage to organs or other tissues, such as the bowel, bladder, uterus, or blood vessels.
- An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
Your Ramsay consultant will discuss all potential risks with you before your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Diagnostic laparoscopy cost
At Ramsay Health Care, we offer clear and flexible options to help you manage your diagnostic laparoscopy cost.
If you choose to self-fund, our all-inclusive Total Care package provides everything you need for one fixed, pre-agreed price, covering your hospital stay, surgery, and aftercare, with no hidden charges. You can also spread the cost with our flexible finance options.
If you have private medical insurance, your diagnostic laparoscopy may be covered by your policy. We recommend checking the details directly with your insurance provider and obtaining written confirmation before starting treatment with us.
Why choose a private diagnostic laparoscopy?
When you choose Ramsay Health Care for your private diagnostic laparoscopy, you’ll receive expert, personalised care without unnecessary delays. We’ll arrange your appointments and treatment at times that work for you, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Choice of consultant (where available)
- Specialist, consultant-led care
- Fast access to your procedure
- Comprehensive aftercare and support
Diagnostic laparoscopy at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, your diagnostic laparoscopy will be carried out by an experienced consultant surgeon in one of our modern, well-equipped hospitals across the UK, most with convenient on-site parking.
Our dedicated medical teams and physiotherapists will support your recovery, helping you return to normal activity as soon as possible.
Contact us today and book an appointment to discuss your laparoscopic surgery at Ramsay.
Diagnostic laparoscopy FAQs
