Top 5 Questions About Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery Answered
Endometriosis is characterized by pelvic pain, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you’ve sought medical care for these debilitating symptoms, we know it’s not always easy to find a diagnosis. In fact, it’s estimated that it takes approximately ten years to receive a proper endometriosis diagnosis. If you're one of the many women who have suffered from endometriosis and struggled to find support, we're here for you.
After years of discomfort, it’s only natural that you’d be looking to find a long-awaited solution. While a few surgical options are available, we’re using this article to discuss laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, so you can better understand if it’s right for you. With this procedure, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team are dedicated to helping you find the relief you deserve from endometriosis.
Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery 101
Let’s take a look at laparoscopic endometriosis surgery. From preparation to recovery and everything in between, we’re providing an overview of what you can expect.
What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive technique that utilizes small incisions and specialized instruments to perform procedures inside the body. As you may have guessed, a camera on a rod called a laparoscope, is used so the surgeon can see the surgical area and surrounding anatomy. Compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions, which results in less pain and minimal downtime. Often, many who undergo laparoscopic surgery require shorter hospital stays.
What Happens During Endometriosis Surgery?
First, your surgeon will make a small incision in your belly button or lower abdomen, then insert the camera and other surgical tools. During the operation, your surgeon can view the internal organs for signs of endometriosis and remove adhesions, fibroids, scar tissue, or cysts caused by endometriosis. Additionally, tissue samples can be taken during surgery if needed. With the removal of the misplaced tissue, many women experience profound relief from their symptoms.
Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery is the most common minimally-invasive surgical treatment for endometriosis because of its safety, minimal downtime, and effectiveness in relieving pain. In fact, it is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and treating endometriosis and allows for precise removal of the lesions while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery?
Usually, women with endometriosis who suffer from persistent pelvic pain are suitable candidates for this surgery. Additionally, other symptoms like bloating and nausea may be relieved by this operation if medication is no longer providing relief. Your doctor may also recommend this surgical procedure if you are struggling with infertility, depending on the location of the misplaced tissue.
How Should I Prepare for Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery?
Like any other surgery, you and your doctor will extensively discuss the surgery's benefits, risks, and outcomes and whether or not it’s right for you. However, it’s important to consider other surgery factors, like preparation and recovery, beforehand.
Prior to your surgery, you’ll need to arrange some time for transportation to and from the operation and plan to spend some time (most likely a few hours) in recovery at the outpatient center or hospital. Luckily, laparoscopic endometriosis surgery only takes about 45 minutes! For more information about preparation, you can get in touch with our team of experts at 1-912-871-2000.
What Is Recovery Like After Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery?
Since laparoscopic endometriosis surgery is minimally-invasive, recovery is usually quick. Most patients go home on the same day of their operation and return to normal activities within two weeks. However, it’s important not to push yourself too fast. Throughout this entire process (and always, for that matter), we recommend listening to your body and not hesitating to rest when needed.
Georgia’s Trusted Endometriosis Specialists
With laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, you can find long-awaited relief from endometriosis! If medications, hormonal therapies, and other treatments haven’t been successful, you may be able to live a happier, more fulfilled life after this procedure. It’s important to note that laparoscopic endometriosis surgery isn’t preventive, and more lesions or fibroids can continue to grow. For this reason, some women may not experience long-lasting relief, but it can be the most effective pain reliever for many women.
With years of experience at Harvard and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan is not only an exceptional surgeon but also a compassionate doctor. If you have endometriosis, or you suspect you do, we’d be honored to be a part of your journey. From diagnosis to treatment to management, we are Georgia’s experts in endometriosis care.
Do You Want to Learn More About Finding Relief from Endometriosis? Call Us Today!
Proudly serving Statesboro, GA, and surrounding areas, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan is your advocate in your endometriosis journey. For more information about endometriosis or laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, call us at 1-912-871-2000 or contact us online.