Laparoscopic staging is a procedure that involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source called a laparoscope. Often used as an alternative to laparotomy for early-stage ovarian cancer, it is used to visualise the abdominal cavity to assess the spread of cancer.

Two to four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen through which the surgeon inserts the laparoscope and other specialised instruments. Key structures including the pelvic and abdominal organs like ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are all carefully examined. During this, your surgeon will be able to look at the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other organs and lymph nodes. This is called as “staging”. Sometimes, biopsies of suspected tissues and peritoneal washings are done to ensure accurate histopathological evaluation.