The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Gastrointestinal laparoscopy
A procedure to investigate any problems you're having with your oesophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas or bowel.
About having a laparoscopy (gastrointestinal)
Your consultant might need to investigate your gastrointestinal tract if you're experiencing any issues in your oesophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas or bowel.
This investigation involves using a laparoscope (tiny camera on a flexible tube) to view the body internally.
Need to know
This minimally invasive form of keyhole surgery involves passing a tiny camera through very small incisions in your abdomen. This procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant will make several small cuts into your abdomen and insert surgical instruments, along with a laparoscope — a small tube with a light source and a camera on the end. The images from the laparoscope are shown on a screen that your consultant looks at while they carry out your procedure. Once they've finished, your consultant will close the area with stitches.
If you're having general anaesthetic, your consult will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for. You might be able to go home the same day as your surgery. If you do, you should arrange for someone to drive you home. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You might feel a bit groggy after your anaesthetic. You might also feel some discomfort in your abdomen. This should pass fairly quickly. If you feel any pain or ongoing discomfort you should tell your consultant.
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. And because of the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, you should have no or very little visible scarring once you're healed. Your consultant will let you know the results of your laparoscopy within 48 hours.
Our gastrointestinal consultants
We're proud to work with leading GI experts across a range of medical fields, including gastroenterology, colorectal and general surgery whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our Gastrointestinal laparoscopy locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.