Endometriosis laparoscopic surgery will be recommended by a doctor if it is required for a diagnosis, or to remove cysts, implants, and tissue from the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy surgery is the only certain way to diagnose endometriosis, although a negative prognosis does not always mean that growths are not present. In some cases, they can be hidden from the view of the surgeon.
Endometriosis Laparoscopy Procedure
The procedure begins with administration of anesthesia, dependent upon the type of surgery. The two basic types of anesthesia used for an endometriosis laparoscopy include:
- General anesthesia – most common, given for removal of scar tissue.
- Local anesthesia – typically given for a diagnostic laparoscopy.
After the anesthesia is given, the surgeon will make a small incision in the abdomen, usually near the navel. A gas, usually carbon dioxide, is injected with a needle into the abdominal cavity. This inflates the area, giving the surgeon a better view of the internal organs.
A small surgical tool, known as a laparoscope, is then inserted into the incision, enabling the surgeon to view the organs. A laparoscope is a thin tube outfitted with bright lights and a camera. Images recorded by the laparoscope are transmitted to a television monitor located in the operating room.
If necessary, additional incisions may be made to insert other required surgical tools. If scar tissue, cysts, or implants are observed, the surgeon will remove them using one of two common techniques.
- Excision – the cutting and removing of tissue.
- Electrocautery – destroying tissue with a laser.
After the viewing and/or removal are completed, the surgical tools are removed, and the incisions are closed using stitches.
What to Expect After an Endometriosis Laparoscopy
Immediately after the surgery, the patient will spend several hours recovering in the hospital. This ensures that there are no complications from the anesthesia. Most commonly, laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is performed in an outpatient facility and the patient may return home the same day. In some cases, the doctor may require the patient to remain in the hospital overnight.
Typical symptoms experienced after an endometriosis laparoscopy include soreness at the incision point, shoulder pain caused by the carbon dioxide, cramping, and constipation. However, most symptoms cease within three to five days, and the patient is able to return to her normal activities within one to two weeks of the surgery.
Risks and Complications of an Endometriosis Laparoscopy
Risks and complications associated with the surgery are rare, but can include:
- Complications from anesthesia
- Pelvic infection
- Damage to organs, such as the bowels or bladder
- Excessive bleeding resulting in the need for larger incisions
There is also a risk that the endometriosis may return, or that not all of the tissue, cysts, or implants will be removed with the surgery. In this case, a second (or different) treatment may be required.
Benefits of Endometriosis Laparoscopy
In contrast to extensive abdominal surgery, a laparoscopy for endometriosis results in less trauma to the tissue, and less scarring. The smaller incisions expedite recovery, and this means a shorter hospital stay for patients. However, the most important benefit of an endometriosis laparoscopy for many women may be the reduction in pain and symptoms experienced, as well as an increase in fertility.
References:
Cook, A S and J A Rock. The Role of Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Endometriosis. Fertil Steril, 1991.
Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers. 2009. “Laparoscopy for Endometriosis.”
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