For Palmerston North appointments please ring 06-3545537
Introduction
Welcome to the Website of Endoscopy Manawatu. The purpose of this website is to inform you of the scope and advantages of minimal access surgery for the treatment of gynaecological problems. The technology of Minimal Access or "keyhole" surgery has been gradually developed over the last 15 years and is now widely used in Gynaecology and General Surgery. The technology is has now reached a level that large abdominal incisions can now be avoided in almost all gynaecological procedures. This has enormous benefits to the patient in terms of reduced pain and discomfort, reduced hospitalization, and a much more rapid return to normal activities than after conventional surgery. Many procedures such as tubal microsurgery and pelvic floor repair also have a better outcome when performed with minimal access technology. Of course not all gynaecological problems by any means, require a surgical solution. However if surgery is required, I believe that minimal access surgery is the optimum approach.
Unfortunately most gynaecological operations are carried out by laparotomy (large abdominal incision). Why is this? I believe it is because patients are unaware of the alternative of minimal access surgery, and secondly that they are not given this option by their gynaecologist. This website aims to inform patients and doctors about minimal access surgery, and its availability in the Manawatu region. Please browse the website. If you have any queries or if you wish to make an appointment for consultation, our contact details are listed in the link above.
Dr Digby Ngan Kee MRCOG, FRANZCOG
What is minimal access surgery?
In traditional or 'open' surgery the surgeon makes a large incision (cut) in the abdomen to expose the organs he is operating on. With laparoscopic or 'keyhole' surgery several small incisions 5-10mm in length are made. A telescope (laparoscope) is introduced through one of the incisions and is used to visualize the operative field. The laparoscope is connected to a videocamera which projects a very clear, magnified image on a video monitor. The abdomen is also inflated with carbon dioxide to improve the view. Instruments are inserted through small incisions or 'ports" and are used to carry out the operation
Minimal access surgery has been a major advance in many areas of medicine such as Gynaecology, General Surgery and Urology. This technology offers many advantages to the patient including:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Early return to normal activities
- Reduced risk of complications
Several operations such as tubal microsurgery, endometriosis and ovarian surgery also have a better outcome with keyhole surgery compared to open surgery. This is because of the better view obtained with the laparoscope and TV monitors, use of microscopic instruments, and the more accurate surgery that results. Laparoscopic surgery requires different skills from traditional open surgery, and not all surgeons choose to undertake the training. Once the learning curve has been conquered patients can be offered a minimal access alternative to almost all conventional operations. Go to the 'Operation Catalogue' link for a full explanation of the procedures that can now be carried out with minimal access surgery.
