Endometriosis is a problem that can impact women’s health during the years they can become pregnant. The issue occurs when tissue that is designed to cover the uterus progresses to other parts of the body; in the majority of cases this happens in the lower abdomen, fallopian tubes, tissue that lines the pelvis, and ovaries. Seeing an endometriosis specialist that can perform an endometriosis exam should be a top priority.
If you’ve tried medication and are trying to decide whether you want to progress with surgical options, continue reading as we discuss all you need to know about endometriosis surgery and endometriosis surgery recovery.
Why Is Endometriosis Surgery Used?
The procedure performed is called endometriosis laparoscopic surgery. Doctors suggest surgery when the pain caused by the condition is severe and the drugs prescribed aren’t effective enough.
The endometriosis laparoscopic surgery helps locate the tissue that has been impacted by the condition and completely removes it or takes out certain sections. When some of the endometriosis laparoscopic surgery operations are carried out, there is the possibility that you won’t be able to conceive children. Therefore, it’s a big decision to make.
However, other surgeries are also available to tackle this issue; these are discussed below so keep reading.
The Best Time to Get Endo Surgery
Some important factors can determine if endometriosis surgery is worth undergoing. This includes your current overall health status and your age. However, other reasons may point you in the direction of getting this surgery; they consist of:
- Pelvic pain that is extreme
- Current medication not resolving the problem
- Pregnancy issues
- A growth has developed in the pelvic area and must be removed
If you feel it may be the right time to undergo surgery to remove the problem, then it’s best to discuss this with a medical professional. They will be able to provide their professional opinion of what the best option is.
Endometriosis Laparoscopic Surgery
The main surgery that is used to treat endometriosis is laparoscopic surgery. A doctor will use a thin tube that has a light and camera to see inside the body. During this time general anesthesia is provided to put the patient to sleep.
Next, the surgeon will make a tiny cut in your abdomen or belly button for the tube to feed into. Following this, a special gas is used to inflate the belly area to ensure the camera can get a good view. Additional cuts may be needed to check all areas with endometriosis.
The length of this operation can vary from a mere 30 minutes to 6 hours. The actual time taken will depend on how badly the condition has spread. Once the tissue has been successfully removed the doctor will then retract the tube, take out the gas, and carefully close the cuts made.
After the procedure has been performed and as long as everything has gone according to plan, patients can leave the same day. Although, they will need to wait until the anesthesia has worn off.
Laparotomy Surgery for Endo Surgery
This option is performed by a doctor making one significant cut into your belly. If laparoscopic surgery isn’t possible due to the condition being too severe, then this method is used.
Similar to laparoscopic surgery, the patient is put to sleep with anesthesia. The surgeon will then slice through the muscle and skin with the intention of seeing the abdomen. Following this, the tissue will be removed.
Upon completion of the endo surgery, the cut is then closed and the patient is sent to the recovery area for approximately one night to ensure everything has gone to plan.
Endo Surgery: Hysterectomy
It’s a possibility that some reproductive organs or every one of them must be removed due to being damaged or having endometriosis tissue present on the organ. This is known as a hysterectomy when the entire uterus is taken. However, if the condition is only impacting the ovaries, then an oophorectomy to remove them may be performed.
Your doctor will be the best person to determine the procedure that is needed for your condition. Make sure to listen closely to what they have to say, and ask any questions when needed.
Typically a hysterectomy for endometriosis is only used when all other options have failed and the problem keeps coming back. Keep in mind that pregnancy is not possible after it has been performed, so this must always be considered thoroughly before making a decision.
The hysterectomy can be performed with a laparoscopy, a laparotomy, or by removing the organs directly through the vaginal opening.
The Endometriosis Surgery Recovery Period
Once the surgery has taken place, the endometriosis surgery recovery typically takes a couple of weeks. The side-effects include feeling very tired for a couple of days after the options. Therefore, doctors usually advise patients not to drive for approximately 2 weeks post-op. Other advice includes not having intercourse or being submerged in water when swimming or having a bath for roughly the same amount of time.
Potential Risks from the Surgery
Although it’s rare to experience issues as a direct result of the surgery, they still happen. Here are the following issues that may occur:
- Organ damage, specifically to the intestines or bladder
- An infection
- Random bleeding
- Problems when urinating (usually a short-term issue)
- Belly pain or a bowel blockage due to scar tissue
- A new connection between the vagina and other organs such as the intestines
If you’re concerned about the possible risks from the surgery, consult your doctor. They will be able to explain the surgery in great detail while putting your mind at ease when it comes to problems that may arise because of it.
What Results to Expect
After the laparoscopy procedure has taken place, the majority of women will experience less pain from endometriosis. Although, there is the chance that it can come back, which means the pain will come back as well.
Studies that have been carried out on this operation have concluded that it’s best suited for individuals that have moderate endometriosis.
Laparotomy results show that the procedure is just as effective. The possibility of the condition coming back for either surgery is known to be around 30% within a 5 year period. However, the endometriosis surgery recovery time will vary for both.
Those that opt for the hysterectomy (when the fallopian tubes and ovaries are taken) are only 15% likely to experience pain linked to the issue.
When menopause happens, most of the symptoms connected to this problem disappear completely. Therefore, it’s worth taking this into consideration when deciding if it’s the right time to get surgery, or just to wait until symptoms lessen.
Gynecology Experts with a Gentle Touch
If you’re experiencing pain due to endometriosis, let us help you. Our qualified team will identify the problematic areas and provide the best treatment option that’s tailored for you. We take the time to listen to your concerns and aim to provide clear answers to all of your questions. Book an appointment today.