Minimally Invasive and Hysteroscopic Surgery
Pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, ovarian cysts, fibroids or suspected endometriosis can start to shape your week. You might be planning work around your period, worrying about time off for surgery or trying to figure out if keyhole surgery is the next step.
Dr Jessica Holden provides minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and hysteroscopic surgery for women across Wonthaggi, Newhaven, Cowes, Phillip Island and the wider Bass Coast. Her care includes clear explanations, careful surgical planning and a discussion about what recovery may look like before you make a decision.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.
Ask your GP for a referral to Coastal Women’s Health or contact our friendly team to arrange your appointment.
What is minimally invasive gynaecological surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a way of treating gynaecological conditions without a large abdominal incision.
In gynaecology, this may involve laparoscopic surgery, also called keyhole surgery, using small cuts in the abdomen. It could also involve hysteroscopic surgery, where a thin telescope is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.
The method is used to assess or treat the problem with less damage to surrounding tissue than open surgery. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques may mean less pain after surgery, smaller scars and a shorter hospital stay for suitable patients. Recovery may also be shorter, but it will come down to the severity of your condition, your health and the complexity or type of procedure.
Patients recover up to 50% faster with minimally invasive keyhole techniques.
Laparoscopic surgery (or keyhole surgery)
In Laparoscopic surgery, a small camera is placed through a cut near the belly button so Dr Holden can view the pelvis on a monitor. The abdomen is gently inflated with gas to create space, and small, specialised instruments are inserted through the 5-10mm incisions to perform the procedure.
Laparoscopy may be used to assess or treat:
Endometriosis and pelvic adhesions
Fibroids
Ectopic pregnancy
Selected hysterectomy procedures
Pelvic pain that needs surgical investigation
Laparoscopic surgery may be discussed when symptoms are affecting daily life, imaging has shown a concern, or previous treatment has not brought enough relief.
What is a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopic surgery examines the inside of the uterus using a thin, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope. It is passed through the vagina and cervix, so there are no external cuts on the abdomen.
Hysteroscopy may be used to investigate or treat:
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Endometrial polyps
Fibroids inside the uterine cavity
Uterine septum or structural concerns
Thickened lining of the uterus
Fertility-related uterine concerns
A hysteroscopy may be diagnostic, which means it helps identify what is happening. In certain procedures, treatment can also happen at the same time, such as removing a polyp or fibroid from inside the uterus.
Surgery is not the first step for every patient. Dr Holden will review your symptoms, medical history, ultrasound or imaging results, previous treatments and fertility plans before discussing surgical options.
Minimally invasive or hysteroscopic surgery may be discussed if you have:
Pain that keeps interrupting work, sleep, exercise or sex
Heavy bleeding that is hard to manage
A suspected polyp, fibroid or ovarian cyst
Suspected or confirmed endometriosis
Fertility concerns linked with pelvic or uterine findings
Symptoms that have not settled with medication or other care
The aim is to help you understand why surgery is being considered, what it may help with, what it cannot promise, and what recovery may involve.
When is surgery usually recommended?
Smaller incisions may mean less pain, lower infection risk, reduced scarring and a shorter hospital stay. Many procedures are performed as day surgery, allowing you to recover at home once your hospital team is satisfied you are ready to leave.
The camera used in laparoscopy also gives a magnified view of the pelvis, which supports more precise assessment and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, cysts or fibroids.
Even with keyhole surgery, recovery still matters. You may need time away from work, help with lifting or childcare and a clear plan for returning to exercise, driving and normal activity.
What are the benefits of keyhole surgery?
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Before surgery, Dr Holden will talk through your diagnosis, the planned procedure, expected benefits, possible risks and what recovery looks like more specific to you.
This is a good time to ask questions, especially if you need to organise work, travel, family support or time away from caring responsibilities.
You may be given instructions about fasting, medications, admission time and what to bring to hospital. Blood tests, imaging review or extra planning may also be needed before your procedure.
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Most minimally invasive gynaecological procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and the length of the operation depends on what is being treated.
A diagnostic hysteroscopy may be quite short. More complex laparoscopic surgery, such as endometriosis excision or treatment involving adhesions, will take longer.
After surgery, you will be monitored in recovery as you wake from the anaesthetic. Patients can generally go home the same day, but some may need an overnight stay due to the procedure, symptoms after surgery or recovery needs.
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Recovery varies from person to person.
After hysteroscopy, mild cramping or light bleeding can occur. After laparoscopy, bloating or shoulder-tip discomfort can happen because gas is used during surgery. We recommend gentle movement and walking after surgery to minimise this. Both usually settle over the next few days.
For minor procedures, a few days of downtime may be enough, but for more involved laparoscopic surgery, one to two weeks away from work may be recommended. Heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and physically demanding work may need to wait until Dr Holden advises you can return.
You will receive post-operative instructions so you know what to expect, which symptoms to watch for and when to seek medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyhole Surgery
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Yes. Keyhole surgery is a common name for laparoscopic surgery. It uses small cuts, a camera and fine instruments instead of one large abdominal incision.
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Dr Jessica Holden performs gynaecological surgeries at Waverley Private Hospital, Peninsula Private Hospital and at Bayside Health.
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Surgical hysteroscopy is usually performed with anaesthetic or sedation, so you should not feel the procedure itself. Mild cramping, similar to period pain, is usually experienced afterwards.
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It depends on the procedure and the type of work you do. Some patients need a few days and others may require one to two weeks of downtime. Physically demanding work may need a longer recovery plan.
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All surgery carries risk. For gynaecological specifically, these may include bleeding, infection, anaesthetic risks and injury to nearby organs. Dr Holden will always outline the risks linked to your procedure as part of consent before surgery.
Women’s keyhole surgery on the Bass Coast
Surgery can be a big decision, especially when you are balancing pain, bleeding, fertility plans, work, travel and recovery time.
If your symptoms are impacting your life, ask your GP for a referral to Dr Jessica Holden, or contact our team to arrange your appointment.