Endometriosis surgery

Overview

The condition known as endometriosis, in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus instead grows outside of it, can be diagnosed and treated by endometriosis surgery.

In the past, endometriosis was removed by open surgery, which involves making a wide incision across the belly. Today, however, laparoscopy—a less invasive procedure involving just tiny incisions—is available to nearly everyone in need of endometriosis surgery.

Types of endometriosis surgery

Surgery for endometriosis entails removing the endometriotic tissue. There are two different methods:

• Laparoscopy. The method for endometriosis surgery that is most frequently used is this minimally invasive technique. Endometriosis laparoscopic surgery treats mild to severe cases by expert surgeons trained in this procedure. A tiny incision will be made in your belly during the surgery to allow for the insertion of a tube that contains a camera, known as a laparoscope. They might have to make multiple tiny incisions in some situations.
• Laparotomy. This open surgery method is not employed by doctors as frequently as it formerly was. Laparotomy is considered a more invasive surgical procedure compared to laparoscopy. Instead than creating several tiny cuts throughout the belly, it entails making one large incision. If your condition is too severe for a laparoscopy or if you do not meet the qualifications for laparoscopy, your surgeon may perform a laparotomy.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Whether you require endometriosis surgery can be determined with the assistance of doctor. Surgery could be advantageous if

• You’ve had severe or persistent pelvic pain.
• The endometriosis in some parts of your pelvis has to be removed.
• Your endometriosis symptoms are no longer relieved by medication.
• You’re having trouble becoming pregnant.

Risks

Surgery for endometriosis is comparatively safe. As with any treatment, there could be difficulties, though, such as:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to the blood vessel
• Potential harm to adjacent organs, including your bowel and bladder
• Fistula (an improper junction between two organs)

Before the procedure

Your doctor will provide you precise information on how to prepare for endometriosis surgery. Here are a few broad recommendations:

• Arrange for a dependable friend or relative to provide you with transportation to and from your appointment.
• The night before your procedure, refrain from eating or drinking after midnight.
• Find out from your doctor if you need to stop taking any drugs, including blood thinners.
• If you smoke, give it up three weeks or more prior to your endometriosis surgery.
• Keep plenty of water and light foods like soup and gelatin in your pantry.

During the procedure

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are the two methods of endometriosis surgery, as was previously explained. Most patients who require this surgery, however, will have a laparoscopy.

During the laparoscopic procedure for endometriosis:

• While you are under general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will keep an eye on your vital signs.
• A tiny incision (cut) will be made by the surgeon in your bellybutton or another area of your abdomen (more than one incision may be required in some circumstances).
• To provide a clear view for the laparoscope, they will utilize gas to expand your abdomen.
• The laparoscope will be inserted through the incision by your surgeon.
• The laparoscope will be used to locate endometriosis.
• To remove any affected tissue, they will attach specialized equipment to the laparoscope.
• The laparoscope and the equipment will be taken out by your surgeon once the endometrial tissue has been removed.
• Lastly, stitches will be used to seal the wounds.

After the procedure

You will likely leave the hospital the same day if you have a laparoscopy. However, until your doctor gives the all-clear, you will need to rest in a recovery area. Probably for a few days, you’ll feel exhausted. However, it should only take around two weeks for you to be ready to resume your regular activities; however, some people may require more time.

Because laparotomy is a more intrusive treatment, patients typically require several weeks to recuperate. You will receive a comprehensive list of post-operative instructions from your doctor.

Outcome

Although many patients have success with medicine and surgery, not everyone responds well to these therapies, and they do have negative effects. Researchers are still looking into better and more innovative therapeutic approaches. Examining how the immune system contributes to the development of endometriosis is one field of research.

Individuals with severe endometriosis may require up to six weeks to heal. You might recover more quickly if you have mild endometriosis.

Two weeks following endometriosis surgery, you should be able to resume work or school unless your employment requires a lot of physical exertion. You might have to wait longer if your profession involves a lot of physical exercise. Make sure you find out from your healthcare professional what to anticipate from your recuperation.