Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis
Endometriosis, a disease when tissue similar to the lining of one’s uterus grows outside the uterus, causes serious pain and makes it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant. In some cases, surgery might be the best option to reduce or relieve pelvic pain. Surgery may be required to remove adhesions, fibroids, or endometriosis.
What to Expect from Laparoscopy Surgery?
Laparoscopy is the most common procedure used to diagnose and remove endometriosis. As with any surgery, you'll be put under general anesthesia before we begin. The process will reduce the size of the incision, leaving smaller types of scars afterward. Overall, it is much less of an invasive procedure than open surgery.
Traditionally, a surgeon would have to make a 6 to 12-inch incision in order to operate on a patient's abdomen. Thanks to laparoscopic surgery, a process first used by German surgeon Georg Kelling in 1901, patients don't have to spend as much time under the knife to address issues like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Is Laparoscopy a Minimally Invasive Procedure?
You may have commonly heard laparoscopy referred to as a minimally invasive procedure, bandaid surgery, or keyhole surgery. This is because it is a much smoother procedure than traditional abdominal surgery. In fact, you'll experience fewer side effects afterward, such as less pain and internal scarring.
Instead of using a large abdominal incision, laparoscopy involves a small incision in the belly button or lower abdomen. Carbon dioxide is then pumped into your abdomen to help the surgeon easily see your organs. Depending on your condition and previously discussed goals, Dr. Sullivan may also take tissue samples, remove scar tissue, repair your uterus, or remove your ovaries during laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic Surgery is a noninvasive procedure that can reduce or relieve chronic pelvic pain.
What are the Benefits to Laparoscopic Surgery Compared to Open Abdominal Surgery?
The benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared with open abdominal surgery include less tissue trauma and scarring, smaller incisions, and faster recovery time. This surgery can also be performed as an outpatient procedure or a surgery with a shorter hospital stay. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will likely be able to return to your normal activities in one to two weeks.
What is the Recovery Time after Laparoscopic Surgery?
The healing process will be shorter than open abdominal surgery and you will require less scar treatments as you'll have small surgery scars. Dr. Sullivan is well-equipped to handle laparoscopic surgery, meaning you likely won't have to go to East Georgia Regional Medical Center or another hospital to have the procedure. In fact, many procedures can be performed onsite in our accredited, state-of-the-art Surgical Center, decreasing the stress and expense of checking into the hospital.
Undergo Laparoscopic Surgery from a Reliable Surgeon in Statesboro, Georgia
Dr. Sullivan is a highly experienced and well-trained surgeon supported by licensed RNs and certified medical assistants. Our Staff will work with you and your insurance company to pre-authorize your procedure and promptly schedule you for treatment.