Department
Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery: the same operation through a few small cuts, which for most patients means less pain and a quicker return home.
What is laparoscopy?
In laparoscopy the surgeon operates through small openings, usually 5–10 mm, using a thin camera and fine instruments, instead of one long incision. Because the cuts are small, most patients have less pain, a shorter hospital stay and smaller scars than with open surgery. It is not right for every patient, and the surgeon will tell you if open surgery is safer for you.
Who it is for
Patients advised surgery for gallbladder stones, hernia, appendicitis and selected other abdominal conditions.
Conditions we see
- Gallbladder stones
- Inguinal and umbilical hernia
- Appendicitis
- Diagnostic laparoscopy for unexplained abdominal pain
Procedures and tests
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- Laparoscopic hernia repair
- Laparoscopic appendicectomy
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
What to expect
- 01
Surgeon's assessment and the tests needed for anaesthesia.
- 02
Surgery under general anaesthesia, usually one to two hours.
- 03
Most patients walk the same or next day and go home within one to three days; you get written discharge advice and a follow-up date.
Patient guide
Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery: A Patient's Guide
Laparoscopy lets a surgeon operate through a few small cuts using a camera. For most suitable patients it means less pain, a shorter stay and a quicker return to normal life.
Read the guideCondition
Hernia
Groin, navel and scar hernias — when to repair, open or keyhole, and recovery.
Read moreCondition
Gallbladder stones
Symptoms, warning signs and keyhole gallbladder removal.
Read moreYour consultant
General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
FAQ
Questions patients ask
How long does recovery take after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?
Most patients go home within one to two days and return to light daily activity within about a week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually wait a few weeks. Your surgeon will give you a timeline for your case.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe?
Laparoscopy is a well-established, widely used technique. Like any surgery it carries risks, which the surgeon will explain for your specific operation before you consent.
How soon can I return to work?
Many people return to desk work within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits longer, especially after hernia repair. Your surgeon will give you advice for your operation.
Will I have scars?
You will have a few small scars, usually less than 1 cm each, which fade over time.
Can every operation be done by keyhole?
No. Sometimes open surgery is safer — for example after certain previous operations. Occasionally a keyhole operation has to be converted to open during surgery; the surgeon will discuss this beforehand.
Related
Related departments
Next step
Book a Laparoscopy consultation
Tell us your preferred day; the hospital will confirm a time with you.