For some people with endometriosis, lifestyle changes aren’t enough to alleviate the condition’s persistent and uncomfortable symptoms. In these cases, endometriosis surgery can unlock a greater quality of life, significantly reducing issues like pain and heavy bleeding, while also potentially improving fertility outcomes if you’re trying to get pregnant.
If you’re considering surgery, knowing what to expect can help guide your decision and prepare you for a smooth recovery. Here, we share an overview of what will take place the day of your procedure and in the healing period that follows.
What Does Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery Entail?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive approach to surgery involving smaller incisions compared to traditional procedures. You’ll still be put under with general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort while the surgery takes place. Your surgeon will then create one or more small incisions in your abdomen to fill the area with gas for greater visibility. Then, they’ll use a camera fixed on a tiny tube (the laparoscope) to look for endometriosis lesions in your pelvic area. These can be removed during the surgery using various techniques, including:
- Ablation, which eliminates the endometriosis tissue using a heat source such as a laser
- Excision, which is the removal of endometriosis tissue using a scalpel or other surgical instruments
Excision is often the preferred technique, as it has been linked to improved fertility preservation and pain reduction, but the precision of this approach may vary based on factors such as the location and extent of the lesions and scarring, as well as your personal treatment goals.
After the procedure is complete, your surgeon will close the surgical site with stitches. Most patients are able to return home the same or next day. Since some post-anesthesia grogginess is common, you’ll still want to arrange for a ride home in advance, and plan for recuperative rest afterward.
Healing After Your Endometriosis Surgery
Discomfort is normal after laparoscopy, so your doctor will recommend a medication regimen to offset any pain and keep you feeling comfortable as you heal. For many people, gas pains are among the most frustrating side effects, and while temporary, they can feel intense. In addition to bloating and pressure in your abdomen, you can also experience referred pain in your shoulder if the gas has irritated your phrenic nerve, which connects to your diaphragm. Gentle movement, such as slow walking, can help disperse the gas, while a warm compress can provide soothing relief when you’re resting.
Other side effects of surgery include spotting or light vaginal bleeding, mild pain near your incisions, and abdominal soreness. Bleeding can persist for up to a week but be sure to use a pad instead of tampons or menstrual cups to reduce the risk of infections. You may be able to return to work and other normal activities within a week — just postpone intense exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse until your doctor clears you (generally, after four to six weeks).
Additionally, your first period after laparoscopy endometriosis may be more painful, heavier, and longer than usual. At this stage, your uterine lining is still healing, and your body may shed extra tissue during menstruation due to the increased irritation and inflammation. You should start seeing improvement by your second period after laparoscopy, but keep in mind that it can take several cycles for your period to normalize.
Trouble With Endometriosis? Visit Rosa Gynecology Today
If you’re experiencing troublesome endometriosis symptoms, there’s no need to continue suffering month after month. Whatever’s causing difficulty in your reproductive health, from medications like hormonal birth control to laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, our providers can discuss solutions to help you feel like yourself again. Request a consultation online or by calling 770-487-9604.
