You need to undergo endometriosis surgery, and you are looking for expert-approved information about this procedure. If so, you clicked on the right article. In this comprehensive guide on endometriosis surgery, you will learn about the procedure itself, the recovery process, and the potential risks involved. By the end of this article, you will know everything about surgery for endometriosis – this way; you will feel more prepared and ready to tackle this medical condition.
That said, surgery for endometriosis is usually complication-free when you choose a reliable professional with years of experience and positive results. Experience is a crucial factor in other fields as well. For instance, if you are looking for an obstetrician in Palm Beach, FL, you can always contact us for help.
Below, you will find all of the must-know facts about surgery for endometriosis. Keep on reading.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects approximately two to ten percent of women in the United States. Usually, these women are between the ages of 25 and 40. This condition derives its name from “endometrium,” a word that refers to the soft tissue that lines the patient’s uterus.
When a woman has her normal menstrual cycle, the delicate tissue builds up. If the female is not pregnant, the tissue is shed. Women with endometriosis have tissue that resembles and behaves like endometrial tissue growing on the outer portion of the uterus. Typically, this will happen in the abdominal cavity on reproductive organs inside the pelvis.
Every month, this unusual tissue builds up and breaks down exactly as the endometrium does. Hence, women with this gynecological condition will experience bleeding inside their pelvis. As a result, women with endometriosis will have inflammation, scarring, and swelling of the normal tissue surrounding the endometriosis implants. In some cases, the ovary is also involved. In this case, women may experience a “blood blister” (embedded blood in the healthy ovarian tissue) surrounded by an endometrioma or a “fibrous cyst.”
There are four endometriosis stages. These include:
- First Stage: Minimal
- Second Stage: Mild
- Third Stage: Moderate
- Fourth Stage: Severe
These endometriosis stages are based on the depth, amount, size, and location of the endometrial tissue. Here are some specific criteria:
- The extent of the pelvic adhesions
- The extent of the spread of the unusual tissue
- The blockage of the patient’s fallopian tubes
- The involvement of the pelvic structures in endometriosis
Remember that the endometriosis stages do not always reflect the symptoms, infertility risks, and pain level the patient may experience. For instance, a woman with early endometriosis stages (such as stage one) may feel excruciating pain, while a woman in later stages (such as stage four) may have no symptoms.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
There are numerous ways to diagnose endometriosis, but the best way is with laparoscopy. Laparoscopy for endometriosis involves a thin tube or a laparoscope that is inserted into the body to locate and remove the tissue.
That said, laparoscopy for endometriosis is the only sure way of diagnosis. However, the diagnosis typically begins with a visit to the gynecologist, who will evaluate your medical history. You will need to undergo a physical examination and a pelvic exam.
Besides laparoscopy for endometriosis, there are other examinations your healthcare provider can use. These include:
- MRI scan: This examination is non-invasive, and it effectively produces two-dimensional images of an internal structure or organ.
- CT scan: This is another non-invasive procedure that uses a mixture of computer technology and X-rays to create axial or horizontal images (referred to as “slices”).
- Endometriosis Ultrasound: The doctor will use high-frequency sound waves to make images of your internal organs. An endometriosis ultrasound is a popular diagnosis method.
What are the Causes of Endometriosis?
You may have done an endometriosis ultrasound, and you are wondering, “what causes this gynecological disorder in the first place?”. Unfortunately, the exact reasons why endometriosis happens are unknown. According to a popular theory, during menstrual cycles, some of the normal tissue “backs up” via the fallopian tubes into the patient’s abdomen. This is where the abnormal tissue attaches and begins to grow. Often, this is referred to as “reverse menstruation.”
This gynecological condition typically runs in families. Women with longer or shorter menstrual cycles may be more prone to endometriosis. Another possible cause for this condition is dioxin, a harmful industrial chemical.
That said, it is unclear how this condition causes infertility. According to some researchers, the abnormal endometriosis tissue prevents the normal ovulation process.
Surgery for Endometriosis: Types
There are three endometriosis surgery types you can consider. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the right option for you. Your options are:
- Laparoscopy for endometriosis: Your doctor will diagnose and treat your condition with a laparoscope. This thin tube has a camera and a light to help detect and remove the unusual tissue from inside your body. Patients undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis will receive general anesthesia and fall asleep. The doctor will begin the procedure by making a tiny cut in the abdomen (typically, the belly button). After the stomach is inflated to get a clear view, the laparoscope will go through the incision. Overall, laparoscopy for endometriosis can take anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours. Discuss your options with your doctor. After checking for endometriosis and removing the tissue, the surgeons will close the incision. You will remain in recovery until the general anesthesia wears off. That said, patients are free to go on the same day.
- Laparotomy surgery: This is a serious surgery involving a large cut in the belly. Patients with severe cases of endometriosis may need to have laparotomy surgery. Laparotomy patients will need to stay in the hospital for a minimum of one night.
- Hysterectomy: Doctors remove some or all reproductive organs if they have abnormal endometriosis tissue or if they are damaged. Hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus.
Who Is a Candidate for Endometriosis Surgery?
Whether you are an eligible candidate for surgery will depend on several factors, such as your health and your age. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Consult a professional, especially if you:
- Experience serious pelvic pain
- You have issues getting pregnant
- Medication does not help alleviate your symptoms
- Have a growth in the pelvic area that requires removal
Endometriosis Surgery Recovery
The surgical procedure is usually simple and complication-free. Of course, make sure to always choose a trusted clinic and surgeons with experience. By doing this, your endometriosis surgery recovery will be seamless. A few days post-laparoscopy, you may feel tired. Your healthcare provider may tell you to avoid driving for two weeks. Moreover, you may need to abstain from sexual intercourse and other activities such as bathing in a tub or swimming.
However, laparotomy recovery may be more painful and slower. In some cases, recovery from this type of surgery can take a few weeks. Finally, patients who undergo hysterectomy will no longer have periods. If the surgeon removes the ovaries and the uterus, you will experience menopause. Hysterectomy patients may have bone density loss and hot flashes.
Possible Risks and Considerations
Complications and side effects are relatively rare. However, they are always possible. Some of them include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood vessel or nerve damage
- Damage to the intestines or bladder
- Trouble urinating
- An abnormal connection between the vagina and another organ
Overall, make sure to choose your clinic wisely. At Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches, we guarantee results and satisfaction. Book your first schedule today.