Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

Overview
Laparoscopy is the technique most frequently used in surgeries for endometriosis, including diagnostic surgery and excision. Laparoscopy is designed to be minimally invasive and allow for a speedy recovery. Laparoscopy is also referred to as keyhole surgery.

What does it involve?
During a laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision near the navel. The abdomen will be pumped full of carbon dioxide gas to create space in which the surgeon can work. The surgeon will then insert the laparoscope, a slender tube with a light and camera at the end. The surgeon may make two other small incisions through which they can insert probes and other tools.

After a laparoscopic surgery, you might be able to go home the same day or spend one night in the hospital for observation. If bowel surgery was performed, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery after laparoscopic surgery usually takes about two weeks.

Intended Outcomes
Laparoscopy is a technique that may be used to achieve different surgical goals. The intended outcome of choosing laparoscopy is to minimize the invasiveness of the surgery, post-surgical pain, and recovery time.

Results
Laparoscopy and laparotomy are equally effective as surgical techniques for endometriosis. However, laparoscopy usually provides a faster and less painful recovery than laparotomy.

Constraints
Any surgery carries risks including blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, scarring, reactions to medication, and heart attack or stroke during the surgery. Short-term complications of surgery for endometriosis can include pain in the surgical area, constipation, diarrhea, bladder or vein irritation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, nightmares, trouble sleeping, headaches, and shoulder pain from gas trapped beneath the diaphragm. Long-term complications can include scarring and adhesions, both of which can affect fertility and necessitate additional surgeries. Also, excision of deep endometrial implants from an organ may cause damage or affect function.

Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of infection such as fever, bleeding, swelling, or increased pain at the incision, or severe abdominal cramping and pain. Notify your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, discharge from the wound, abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain or swelling in your calves, painful or frequent urination, or vomiting more than 24 hours after the surgery.

Endometriosis surgery may not be effective in relieving your pain from endometriosis or improving your fertility.

Your endometriosis may recur. You may need surgery again in the future to treat your endometriosis.