This monthMarch · Endometriosis Awareness MonthDiagnostic Laparoscopy
Period pain that stops your day
deserves an answer.
Laparoscopy is a camera-guided procedure through small incisions that lets the surgeon look at the pelvic organs directly. At Oshun it follows a gynaecology consultation with Dr. Charles Rockhead, and only where it is needed.
No obligation · Every consultation is in-person with Dr. Rockhead.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy at Oshun at a glance
Dr. Rockhead
Every consultation is with him
In person
Consultation before anything is booked
In writing
Your quote, given at consultation
No obligation
You decide after the consultation
9 Devon Road
Kingston, Jamaica
Questions answered privately
What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure. A thin camera is passed through a small incision at the navel, so the surgeon can look directly at the organs of the pelvis and abdomen.
It is used to diagnose conditions that scans cannot fully show. Endometriosis is the best-known example.
Where it is appropriate, what is found can be treated during the same procedure.
The words, explained
- Laparoscope
- The thin tube with a light and a camera. It shows the inside of the abdomen on a screen.
- Keyhole surgery
- Surgery through small incisions, with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
- Endometriosis
- A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it.
Four things that are true of every visit
Care by an OB/GYN
Every plan at Oshun is reviewed by a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Dr. Rockhead is a physician first.
30 years caring for women
Three decades as a practising OB/GYN at Amadeo Medical Group, the parent clinical practice.
In person, first
A consultation with Dr. Rockhead comes before anything is booked. You decide afterwards, with no obligation.
Private, one to one
The care team answers your questions privately on WhatsApp. There is no obligation.
At a glance
The short answers first. The detail is on the pages linked further down.
The first visit
A consultation at 9 Devon Road. It is a conversation and, where appropriate, an examination.
If laparoscopy is needed
It is done under general anaesthetic and takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Time off after laparoscopy
Plan for 3 to 7 days off work after a diagnostic procedure. Longer if more was done.
Where surgery happens
In a hospital or accredited surgical centre.
Who it suits
Long-standing pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and questions about fertility.
When to wait
Laparoscopy is not suitable with severe heart or lung disease, a bleeding disorder or an active widespread infection. It may not suit heavy internal scarring from earlier surgery.
The visit, step by step
The consultation
You meet Dr. Rockhead in person at 9 Devon Road before anything is booked. He reviews your medical history with you. You leave with a written quote.
Before a laparoscopy
Blood thinners are stopped 7 to 10 days before and you fast from midnight. Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance are arranged.
At the procedure
Under general anaesthetic, Dr. Rockhead makes a small incision at the navel and passes in the camera. Further small ports are added only if instruments are needed.
Afterwards
Shoulder-tip pain from the gas is common for one to three days and settles by itself. Avoid heavy lifting and intercourse for two to four weeks. There is a wound check at one week and a review of the findings at two to four weeks.
A normal scan does not always mean nothing is there.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, and many women wait years to have it named.
The signs are easy to dismiss. Periods painful enough to interrupt work or school. Pelvic pain between periods. Pain during or after sex. For some women, difficulty conceiving. The pain is often treated as normal.
It can be hard to see on a scan. Ultrasound and MRI can miss it, so a normal scan does not always rule it out. Laparoscopy, a camera-guided procedure through small incisions, lets the surgeon look at the pelvic organs directly. It is surgery, done under general anaesthetic in a hospital or surgical centre.
Not every woman with pelvic pain needs surgery. The consultation covers your history, an examination where appropriate, and your options, including the option not to proceed.
- Common signs
- Painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, difficulty conceiving.
- First step
- A consultation with Dr. Rockhead at 9 Devon Road.
- If it is needed
- Diagnostic laparoscopy, performed by Dr. Rockhead in a hospital or surgical centre.
When not to waitSudden, severe pelvic pain needs urgent medical care, especially with fever, fainting or a possible pregnancy. Go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for an appointment.
Where to start at Oshun
Each page has the detail, from how to prepare to what to expect afterwards.
Laparoscopy
A camera-guided look at the pelvic organs through small incisions.
Read more →Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures, each planned at consultation.
Read more →Annual Gynaecological Exam
The yearly visit where changes in your periods get a proper hearing.
Read more →The same physician, from first question to follow-up
Dr. Charles Rockhead, Medical Director — Oshun Cosmetic Services, Kingston.
Dr. Charles Rockhead
Medical Director · Board-Certified OB/GYN · 30+ years of practice
Dr. Charles Rockhead is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with more than thirty years of practice in Kingston. He is the Medical Director of Oshun Cosmetic Services and the founding physician of Amadeo Medical Group, the parent clinical practice.
What patients ask
Can endometriosis be diagnosed without laparoscopy?
Is laparoscopy major surgery?
Can what is found be treated at the same time?
What are the risks?
How big are the incisions?
Is it covered by insurance?
Why might my shoulder hurt afterwards?
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Whether a treatment suits you is decided at a consultation with Dr. Rockhead.
If the pain isn't normal for you, say so.
You know your body. Message the concierge and we'll arrange a consultation with Dr. Rockhead.
No obligation · Every consultation is in-person with Dr. Rockhead.