Geelong Laparoscopy Services

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Making surgery less invasive for women’s healthcare.

Dr Sabary is one of only a few gynaecologists in Australia qualified to use da Vinci robotic technology after having completed an accreditation course in the United States in 2017.

That same year, Dr Sabary became the first gynaecologist in regional Australia to successfully complete this cutting-edge surgery using robotic technology. He has since completed many single-site surgeries, empowering women across Geelong and the Greater Surf Coast with access to innovative and state-or-the-art healthcare options usually only available in capital cities.

Laparoscopy is a surgical approach primarily used by gynaecologists and other specialist surgeons to investigate, diagnose and operate on organs within the abdominal or pelvic region of the body. The surgeon uses a special instrument known as a laparoscope, which is a small, thin, tube-like instrument with a light source and camera that relays images from inside the patient to a computer monitor.

With the laparoscope, the surgeon can:

  • view internal organs,

  • take biopsies (tissue samples) or

  • treat a presenting problem.

Laparoscopy is otherwise known as laparoscopic keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery because it only requires a small incision to access the abdominal or pelvic area without the need for a large incision that is usually associated with traditional open surgery. It is only performed under general anaesthesia, meaning patients are unconscious during the procedure.

Four reasons to select laparoscopic surgery over open surgery.

  • Minimal to no scarring

  • Reduced pain and bleeding

  • Shorter hospital stays

  • Faster recovery times

What types of Laparoscopy can Dr Sabary conduct?

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    Diagnostic Laparoscopy

    Some of the conditions Dr Sabary can diagnose using laparoscopy can include:

    Endometriosis
    Uterine fibroids
    Ovarian cysts or tumours
    Ectopic pregnancy
    Pelvic adhesions
    Infertility
    Pelvic inflammatory disease

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    Advanced Laparoscopy

    Advanced laparoscopic surgery
    (a procedure also called robotic surgery) involves a series of mechanical arms attached with surgical instruments & cameras that Dr Sabary controls while seated at a computer console near the operating table.Hand movements are translated into precise movements within the operative site. The result is less invasive surgery with minimal scarring.

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    Operative Laparoscopy

    With operative laparoscopy, the conditions Dr Sabary can treat can include:

    Hysterectomy
    Fibroid removal
    Endometrial tissue ablation
    Removal of ovaries & cysts
    Tubal removal
    Adhesion removal

How will I know if I need laparoscopic surgery?

If you present with a diagnostic or treatment-based issue like the ones listed above, your treating Doctor may refer you to Dr Sabary for further investigation and possible treatment.

At your initial appointment with Dr Sabary, he will review and discuss your medical history, complete and/or schedule the necessary examinations and tests, listen and address your concerns, take the time to discuss your current situation, and review the before, during and after of your laparoscopic procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning the patient is unconscious for the duration of the procedure. Once the patient is unconscious, a small needle is used to fill your abdomen with non-toxic medical gas. This provides space between the abdominal wall and the internal organs, which minimises the likelihood of injury.

  • For more intricate and complex procedures, Dr Sabary may use the da Vinci robot  which is located at St John Of God Hospital. Using the latest da Vinci Xi technology and software, Dr Sabary can conduct Single-Site Surgical procedures in selected cases to conduct hysterectomies and treat a range of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, removal of cysts and fibroids.

    Robotic surgery involves making a small incision, 7mm in the belly button, before curved cannulas are inserted. The system allows Dr Sabary’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. The result is less invasive surgery with very minimal scarring.

  • Like every other type of surgery, laparoscopic surgery has some associated risks. Again, the types of presenting risks and their likelihood will depend on the circumstances of the patient and the type of procedure to be conducted.

    During scheduled appointments, Dr Sabary will cover with the patient in detail the benefits and risks of laparoscopy as they apply to their condition, before scheduling the procedure takes place.

    All patients will also receive comprehensive pre and post-operative instructions to optimise the procedure and subsequent recovery.

  • Yes there are. Whilst the list below is not exhaustive, these are some of the more common conditions encountered that have the potential to increase risk.

    • Previous abdominal surgery

    • Obesity

    • Chronic endometriosis

    • Pelvic infection

    • Chronic bowel disease

    Should you have any of these conditions, or others that could elevate risk, we will discuss these in detail during our appointment together.

Dr Sabary takes on both privately insured and self-funding patients.

You will need a GP referral before your first appointment to claim a Medicare rebate.

Dr Sabary is based across the road from St John of God Geelong Hospital, where he will perform your procedure.

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