With 
Who she is
Dra. Alicia Martínez-Espejo Cerezo is a specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics and an expert in endoscopic surgery. At the clinic she is part of the surgical techniques team, alongside 
Dra. Leonor Guerrero and 
Dra. Concepción Carrascosa.
What laparoscopy is
The NHS describes it as a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat conditions. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a camera to work inside the tummy or pelvis, usually under general anaesthetic.
In gynaecology it is used to diagnose conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or ovarian cancer, and to treat an ectopic pregnancy, remove fibroids or the womb, and remove affected ovaries.
Where everything is
Womb
This is the organ where a pregnancy grows. Its inner lining, the endometrium, is what is shed each month with your period.
Keyhole surgery
Laparoscopy
Surgery is carried out through very small incisions using a camera. It usually means less pain, small scars and a quicker recovery.
What recovery to expect
According to the NHS, most people go home the same day or the next day, and it is often recommended because recovery is faster than with other types of surgery. After a diagnostic laparoscopy recovery usually takes up to 10 days, and it may be up to 3 weeks before you can return to work. After surgery, full recovery can take about 6 to 8 weeks.
Complications are rare, and the NHS lists among them needing open surgery, hernia, damage to an organ or a blood vessel, and blood clots. That is why it matters that the operation is performed by a surgeon with specific training and that the risks are explained clearly.
A decision made between the two of you
Surgery is only suggested when it is the best option for your case. At the appointment we go through the alternatives, the risks and the timings so you can decide with the information you need.
Can I have my surgery using minimally invasive techniques?
Laparoscopy is performed through very small incisions.
Have you been advised to have gynaecological surgery?
This questionnaire offers guidance, not a diagnosis. If the pain is severe or something worries you, book an appointment or seek urgent care.
About the specialist
Dra. Alicia Martínez-Espejo Cerezo
Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, an expert in endoscopic surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the surgery done?
We explain this at the first visit, together with the details of the operation and of recovery.
Does laparoscopy leave scars?
Small cuts are made, not one large incision. If it is necessary to move to open surgery, the NHS lists it as an uncommon possibility.
Is laparoscopy the same as hysteroscopy?
No. Laparoscopy looks at the abdominal and pelvic cavity through small cuts. Hysteroscopy looks inside the womb through the vagina.
Sources consulted
- NHS: Laparoscopy · Checked on October 30, 2026
This information is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have symptoms, book an appointment with a specialist.
