Dr Pip Walker is a New Zealand born and trained medical specialist working as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in Waikato since 2020.
Pip is an advanced laparoscopic gynaecologist working at Waikato Hospital as the director of the Australasian Gynaecology Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) training programme. She has a special interest in endometriosis and pelvic pain and runs regular clinics at Waikato hospital, and privately at Hamilton Tristram Clinic.
What is Gynaecology?
Gynaecology is the area of medicine that deals with health issues and conditions that are specific to women. This generally includes the female reproductive organs and genitalia. The reproductive organs consist of the ovaries that release an egg every month, the fallopian tubes that lead from the ovaries, the uterus (womb), which is where a baby will grow if the egg is fertilised during sexual intercourse, the cervix (opening of the uterus) and the vagina.
Laparoscopy
Many gynaecological investigations are performed by laparoscopy. This is a procedure to view the inside of the abdomen (stomach) through a specially lit type of mini telescope (laparoscope) that is inserted through a small cut in the abdomen. The laparoscope also contains a small camera that sends pictures to a screen that the doctor can watch.
Sometimes surgical procedures (keyhole surgery) can be performed at the same time. A laparoscopy is performed under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep).
