Endometriosis Blog

Laparoscopy is the best and most common surgical procedure that is used to treat and diagnose endometriosis. It is used for women who have the mild to moderate cases of it to avoid have to make a large incision in the abdomen. Instead the surgeon will insert a viewing instrument – called the laparoscope – through a much smaller incision.

Most surgeons will choose this procedure so that they are able to have a better look at the organs inside to see how far the endometriosis has spread and what areas it is effecting. This is the only method that can be used to officially diagnose endometriosis. It is possible for some of the implants that the doctor is trying to find to be so tiny that they are hidden from the surgeon.

Through this procedure the surgeon will also be able to remove the implants and scar tissue that is causing the woman pain and also infertility problems. In many woman there might also be a cyst that will be growing on the ovary – called the endometrioma. The surgeon will try to remove it.

What To Expect

Before you are able to have this procedure the surgeon will need you to do a few things while you are at home. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything eight hours or more before the endometriosis laparoscopy. They will be using a general anesthesia – which allows you to stay awake depending on what type they give you. The surgeon or your gynecologist will perform the procedure.

They will first inflate your stomach with carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide gas using a needle. This will keep the wall of the abdomen away from your organs to provide them with better access and a much better view. They will then insert the laparoscope through a small incision and check out the organs inside. They may need to make more incisions in order to remove anything.

To remove scar tissue the surgeon will either cut it out or use a laser beam or electric current to destroy it. The whole procedure will take between 30 to 45 minutes. When they are finished the surgeon will close the incision with stitches – which will leave very little scarring.

Related "Endo" Blog Posts:

1. Diagnosing Endometriosis