Laparoscopy
Dr Lowes is a highly skilled gynaecological surgeon and advanced laparoscopic surgeon accredited by the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society, a prestigious accreditation only granted to select Australian surgeons. With this accreditation, Dr Lowes can perform AGES level 5 and 6 surgical procedures for a range of conditions affecting women’s reproductive health. As an advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Dr Lowes provides expert care to patients requiring surgical intervention for gynaecological concerns. Her patient-centred approach ensures that every woman receives individualised treatment with the utmost precision and compassion.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and a high-definition camera to perform complex procedures with exceptional accuracy and minimal external scarring. There are multiple benefits to laparoscopies over traditional open surgery, including:
- Reduced Post-Operative Pain
- Smaller Scars
- Shorter Hospital Stays
- Faster Recovery Times
- Lower Risk of Infection and Complications
Gynaecological Conditions Treated with Laparoscopy
Dr Lowes specialises in treating a variety of gynaecological conditions using minimally invasive techniques. Gynaecological laparoscopic procedures can be used for:
Endometriosis laparoscopic surgery is one of the most effective management techniques for endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, infertility, and other complications. Dr Lowes performs laparoscopic excision surgery to carefully remove endometrial lesions while preserving fertility whenever possible. She is highly experienced in this procedure and holds the highest level of accreditation from the AGES Society, which allows her to perform laparoscopic endometriosis excision surgery for Stage 4 endometriosis.
Laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts is performed to remove fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries and sometimes cause pain and discomfort. If a cyst is large, persistent, or causing symptoms, Dr Lowes can perform laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy to remove it while preserving ovarian function.
Fibroid removal surgery (also known as myomectomy) using laparoscopic techniques allows for the removal of uterine fibroids without a large abdominal incision. Fibroid removal laparoscopy preserves fertility and reduces recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
A laparoscopic hysterectomy may be necessary for conditions such as severe endometriosis, fibroids, hyperplasia, prolapse, or abnormal bleeding. Laparoscopic hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through small incisions, offering a faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional open surgery.
For women suffering from chronic pelvic pain, laparoscopic surgery can help diagnose and treat underlying conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, or ovarian cysts.
Dr Lowes uses minimally invasive techniques to provide effective pelvic pain laparoscopic treatment with minimal scarring and faster recovery.
Please be aware that there are occasions where surgery does not reveal any obvious anatomical causes for the pelvic pain. As pelvic pain is a complex, multifactorial condition, surgery is not always curative.
Laparoscopic surgery for fertility is used to assess the reproductive organs and identify abnormalities that may affect fertility, such as adhesions, fallopian tube blockages, and endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove scar tissue, help assess fallopian tubes, or excise endometriosis to improve the chances of conception.
Laparoscopic surgery for tubal issues may be performed for contraception, management of tubal cysts or adhesions, or risk reduction. Procedures such as salpingectomy, which involves removing the fallopian tubes, can be used to treat disease or lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Tubal ligation, a permanent contraceptive method, can also be performed laparoscopically, offering a minimally invasive option with a quick recovery.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Laparoscopy
Pre-Surgical Consultation
Dr Lowes conducts a thorough evaluation before recommending surgery. This includes reviewing your medical history, symptoms, imaging results (such as ultrasounds or MRIs), and discussing treatment options, including medical and non-surgical options available to you. Further investigations and imaging may be required and tailored to your individual issue. She ensures, through an informed consent process, that each patient has a clear understanding of the procedure, the benefits, and potential risks, and answers any questions thoroughly, as well as provides tailored pre-operative care instructions.
Multidisciplinary Care Team
Dr Basia Lowes collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, including colorectal and urological surgeons, to manage complex gynaecological cases. She also involves allied healthcare professionals to support comprehensive preoperative assessment, postoperative recovery, and ongoing patient care.
The Surgical Procedure
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with individualised anaesthetic management. Small incisions are made, allowing Dr Lowes to insert a laparoscope (a small, high-definition camera) and specialised surgical instruments. The procedure is carried out with precision, minimising tissue trauma and reducing recovery time. Keyhole surgery for gynaecology ensures minimal scarring and quicker healing. We want to ensure that patients are calm and comfortable throughout the procedure and encourage our patients to develop a personalised music playlist for their day in surgery.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Laparoscopic surgery typically only requires a 1–2-night stay in hospital, but may be longer with more complex cases. Recovery times vary depending on the type of laparoscopic procedure, but most laparoscopic procedures allow patients to heal quicker compared to traditional open surgery. Dr Lowes provides comprehensive post-operative care instructions, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions, and schedules follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and recovery.Â
Potential Risks and Complications of Laparoscopy
While laparoscopic surgery is generally safe and associated with fewer complications than open surgery, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including, but not limited to:
- Bleeding or infection at the incision sites or inside the abdomen
- Injury to surrounding organs, such as the bladder, bowel, ureter, vessels, and pelvic nerves
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
- Scar tissue formation leading to adhesions
- Rare risk of needing to convert to open surgery if complications arise
- Haematomas or blood clots at the wound side or in the pelvis itself
- Recurrence of the disease or conditions
Dr Lowes takes every precaution to minimise these risks and prioritises patient safety at all stages of her care.
Why Choose Dr Lowes for Laparoscopic Surgery?
Dr Lowes is a highly trained advanced laparoscopic surgeon with extensive experience and a reputation for excellence in women’s health and gynaecological surgery. She has completed advanced laparoscopic surgery training accredited by the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society at the highest level, as well as a Master’s in Advanced Gynaecological surgery. She has extensive experience in performing complex gynaecological laparoscopic procedures using minimally invasive techniques, including gynaecological surgery with minimal external scarring, and offers evidence-based and up-to-date techniques and management options.
If you require laparoscopic surgery or would like a second opinion, Dr Lowes is available for consultations. With her expertise in minimally invasive techniques and dedication to women’s health, she provides exceptional care tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re looking for a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon who combines expertise, empathy, and clear communication to support informed choices, contact us on (02) 9037 6444 (North Shore Private, St Leonards) or (02) 9009 5255 (Alana Healthcare, Randwick) to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and supporting your health with expert and compassionate care.
Advanced, Bespoke Surgical Care
Providing expert and holistic care for obstetrics, gynaecology, and women’s health concerns, with a tailored and personalised approach—including conservative, medical, and advanced surgical treatments.
