A diagnostic laparoscopy is keyhole surgery performed to help find the cause of symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility and to assist your doctor to make a diagnosis.
At Ramsay Health Care UK, we understand it can be an anxious time when you have a diagnostic laparoscopy to find out the reason for your symptoms, get a diagnosis, have a biopsy and wait for the results, and possibly have treatment at the same time. Our compassionate teams are here to support you at all times.
Our highly regarded and experienced surgeons routinely perform diagnostic laparoscopy, so you can rest-assured you are in expert and safe hands.
We offer rapid access to appointments so won’t have to wait for a consultation, your diagnostic laparoscopy procedure or any further treatment that may be required.
All Ramsay hospitals follow strict protocols to keep you and of our staff as safe as possible whilst at our hospitals.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to look inside the organs in your abdomen (stomach, liver, gallbladder, small and large bowel and appendix) or pelvis (fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus).
Laparoscopy surgery uses small cuts to see the inner parts of your abdomen and pelvis rather than larger cuts that are used in open surgery.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is used to diagnose:
Diagnostic laparoscopy is typically performed under general anaesthetic and takes 30 to 60 minutes. It involves making a small cut near your belly button and inserting a thin tube containing a light and camera, known as a laparoscope, to look inside your abdomen and pelvis.
Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate your stomach and allows your surgeon to see your organs properly. Your surgeon has a clear view of the whole area on a TV monitor in the operating theatre.
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for six to 12 hours before your diagnostic laparoscopy but you can continue to drink water until you come in for your procedure. Before your diagnostic laparoscopy you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home because you must not drive for at least 24 hours afterwards.
If you take blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or warfarin, you may be asked to stop taking it a few days beforehand to prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure.
If you smoke, you may be advised to stop in the lead-up to your operation as it can delay healing and increase your risk of complications such as infection.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a day case procedure so you should be able to go home on the same day.
You may feel a bit groggy and disorientated due to the anaesthetic. This will wear off.
You can expect some pain and discomfort in your lower stomach area for a day or two after your diagnostic laparoscopy. Some of the gas used to inflate your abdomen may be left inside your abdomen and can cause bloating, cramping and shoulder pain. We will provide you with painkillers as required.
Tiredness is common after a laparoscopy as your body uses energy to heal itself.
You can expect to be able to resume your normal activities within five days.
You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation and any required tests with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your diagnostic laparoscopy surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Diagnostic laparoscopy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your diagnostic laparoscopy yourself. These include:
Following months of hard work from members of our mobile diagnostic team, RDUK, Ramsay's Mobile Diagnostic Unit, is proud to announce its award of the Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) Quality Mark.
Ramsay Health Care are proud to have been recognised as 'Highly Commended' for the Excellence in Clinical Innovation HSJ Independent Healthcare Providers Awards 2025! This is a great recognition of an outstanding dedication to support of the NHS and improvement in healthcare services.
Cobalt Hospital was honoured to sponsor The Best of South Tyneside Awards 2025, recognising outstanding contributions to the community. Our team had the privilege of presenting the Unsung Hero Award to Suzanne Jackson for her inspiring dedication. A fantastic evening celebrating those who make a real difference!
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