Laparoscopic surgery — commonly known as keyhole surgery — uses small incisions, a camera (laparoscope), and specialised instruments to perform procedures inside the abdomen and pelvis with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. For gynaecological surgery, laparoscopic techniques have become the gold standard for an increasing range of procedures, offering patients significantly faster recovery, less blood loss, reduced pain, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
Dr. Joshi holds a European University Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy from the University of Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France — one of the highest international qualifications in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. She has also trained in da Vinci Robotic Surgery at the Chitra Sethia MAS Centre, University College London.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions (typically 0.5–1cm) through which a camera and specialised instruments are inserted. The surgeon operates while viewing the procedure on a high-definition monitor. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space. In gynaecology, laparoscopic surgery can be performed for a wide range of diagnostic and operative procedures.
Small incisions are made in the abdomen (usually at the umbilicus and lower abdomen). A laparoscope — a thin, rigid camera — is inserted through one incision, while instruments are passed through the others. The surgeon operates with precision while viewing real-time high-definition images.
Smaller incisions and scars · Less post-operative pain · Shorter hospital stay (usually 1–2 days) · Faster return to normal activities (2–4 weeks vs 6–8 weeks for open surgery) · Less blood loss · Lower risk of wound complications.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients are mobile on the day of surgery and discharged within 24–48 hours. Driving can usually resume after 1–2 weeks; light activities within days.
Hysterectomy · Ovarian cystectomy · Treatment of endometriosis · Myomectomy (fibroid removal) · Ectopic pregnancy · Fertility-enhancing surgery · Uterine septum resection · Ovarian drilling for PCOS.
Dr. Joshi has trained in the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System at the Chitra Sethia MAS Centre, University College London (UCL) — one of the world's leading centres for minimally invasive surgery training. Robotic-assisted surgery offers the surgeon enhanced precision, magnification, and dexterity, particularly valuable in complex confined-space procedures.
Dr. Joshi's training in robotic gynaecological surgery was initiated at University College London (UCL) and completed with official certification through the Intuitive Surgical platform — the globally recognised gold standard in robotic surgical training for the da Vinci Surgical System.
The surgical approach is planned in detail before the procedure. For robotic hysterectomy and complex operations, anatomical relationships are assessed using pre-operative imaging.
The patient is positioned under general anaesthesia. Small robotic port incisions of approximately 8mm are made — slightly larger than standard laparoscopic ports, but still minimal.
The da Vinci surgical system is docked to the patient ports. The surgeon controls the robotic arms from an ergonomic console positioned away from the operating table, with full visibility of the operative field.
The surgeon uses hand controls and foot pedals at the console. The robotic arms translate these movements into precise micro-movements inside the patient, with tremor filtration for enhanced accuracy.
The da Vinci system provides a 3D high-definition magnified view of the surgical field — significantly clearer than the 2D view of standard laparoscopy — improving accuracy and identification of anatomy.
On completion, the ports are closed and recovery begins. Robotic surgery recovery is comparable to standard laparoscopy — most patients are mobile the same day and discharged within 1–2 days.
Dr. Joshi performs the full range of gynaecological procedures using laparoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques. Her European Diploma in Gynaecological Endoscopy covers both operative laparoscopy (procedures performed using the laparoscope in the abdominal cavity) and operative hysteroscopy (procedures performed inside the uterine cavity).
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) — removal of the uterus using entirely keyhole technique. The gold standard approach for women who require hysterectomy and are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Hospital stay: 1–2 days.
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (cyst removal preserving the ovary), laparoscopic oophorectomy (ovary removal where required), and laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy. Minimally invasive approach reduces risk to fertility and speeds recovery.
Laparoscopic excision or ablation of endometriotic deposits, treatment of endometriomas, and adhesiolysis. Dr. Joshi's advanced laparoscopic skills allow treatment of both superficial and deeper disease.
Hysteroscopy with D&C (dilatation and curettage) and MIRENA intrauterine system insertion · Hysteroscopic polypectomy · Removal of lost or retained intrauterine device (IUD) · Hysteroscopic resection of uterine fibroid (TCRF) · Hysteroscopic resection of uterine septum · Hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine synechiae (Asherman's syndrome) · Endometrial ablation. All performed without incisions — through the natural opening of the cervix.
For most gynaecological procedures, laparoscopic surgery offers significant advantages over open surgery. The benefits are particularly pronounced for hysterectomy, where laparoscopic techniques have been shown in clinical studies to reduce blood loss, pain, complications, and hospital stay compared to open abdominal surgery.
Return to light activities within 1–2 weeks (vs 6–8 weeks for open surgery). Most patients are mobile on the same day as surgery and discharged within 48 hours.
Small incisions cause significantly less tissue trauma than open surgery. Blood loss is typically minimal, and most patients require only oral analgesia after discharge.
Incisions of 0.5–1cm result in minimal scarring — particularly important for younger patients. In some procedures (e.g., single-site laparoscopy), all instruments enter through the umbilicus, leaving no visible scar.
Studies show lower rates of wound infection, hernia, and post-operative complications with laparoscopic compared to open techniques. The risk of deep vein thrombosis and chest infection is also reduced due to faster mobilisation.
Most patients requiring gynaecological surgery are suitable candidates for laparoscopic techniques. However, suitability depends on the individual clinical situation — including the specific procedure required, previous surgical history, body habitus, and medical fitness. Dr. Joshi will review your individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach at your consultation.
Women requiring hysterectomy, cystectomy, treatment of endometriosis, myomectomy, or fertility surgery who are medically fit for general anaesthesia and have no absolute contraindication to laparoscopic surgery.
Previous abdominal surgery can sometimes make laparoscopic surgery more challenging due to adhesions. Dr. Joshi will review your surgical history and assess whether laparoscopic surgery remains feasible — in many cases it is still possible.
Laparoscopic surgery is feasible for most patients regardless of BMI. For patients with very high BMI, additional precautions are taken, and the surgical approach will be discussed in detail.
The most appropriate surgical approach — laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, or open — will be recommended by Dr. Joshi based on your individual anatomy, diagnosis, and circumstances. The decision is made collaboratively at your pre-operative consultation.
Dr. Joshi will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual circumstances at consultation.