Endometriosis surgery can provide pain relief and improve fertility

Women who suffer from the pain and problems associated with endometriosis may find relief with endometriosis surgery. Our Southlake obgyns perform minimally invasive surgery to help women with endometriosis find relief from their symptoms if treatment options such as medication or hormone therapy haven’t produced the desired results.

Minimally invasive laparoscopy is a proven type of endometriosis surgery

Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery is a minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Laparoscopy can be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes. During a laparoscopy, our surgeons use an instrument called a laparoscope. This long, thin instrument is placed into the pelvic cavity through a very small abdominal incision. The lighted instrument has a camera attached that provides our Southlake obgyns with a view of the pelvic organs and any endometrial implants.

If our physicians find endometriosis during the diagnostic procedure, they may perform endometriosis surgery by attaching surgical instruments to the laparoscope.

Endometriosis surgery can also be performed robotically. Robotic surgery is performed using a laparoscope, but the instruments are manipulated with robotic hands. The hands are fully under the control of our surgeons who operate them from a large console. Robotic surgery provides our surgeons with better visualization of the pelvic cavity and makes it easier to find implants that may otherwise be missed. The arms also provide a steadier touch than the human hand, allowing for more complete resection of endometrial implants. In addition, robotic endometriosis surgery enables our surgeons to perform cystectomies of endometriomas on the ovaries while retaining the ovary in many cases, helping to preserve a woman’s fertility.

There are four primary surgical methods for removing endometrial implants

During endometriosis surgery, our Southlake obgyns employ four different methods to remove endometrial implants and lesions.

• Excision allows surgeons to cut endometrial implants away from surrounding tissues. This process is helpful if the tissue is going to be biopsied. It also allows the surgeon to remove the entire implant or adhesion.
• Cauterization allows our Southlake obgyns to destroy endometrial lesions with very intense heat from a special heat gun.
• Vaporization is performed with a laser that destroys the tissue.
• Hysterectomy is a type of endometriosis surgery for women who have completed childbearing and no longer need to be concerned about fertility issues. Removing the ovaries can lessen the chances of endometriosis coming back after surgery. Another option is keeping the ovaries, but removing endometrial implants and the uterus. This has also been shown to reduce the chances of the return of endometriosis.

How long does it take to recover from endometriosis surgery?

It doesn’t take very long to recover from endometriosis surgery. But, it can take a week or more before returning to normal activities. You can return to normal sexual activity within two to four weeks of undergoing the surgery.

What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

Left untreated, endometriosis can lead to complications such as infertility, severe pelvic pain and other complications.

“Can I get pregnant after laparoscopy?”

Every situation is different. Talk to your doctor to know more.

Does endometriosis go away after surgery?

Endometriosis surgery doesn’t guarantee that endometriosis will not return, but it does help many women with the pain and symptoms they experience. Our Southlake obgyns have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat endometriosis, a condition that can be difficult to manage. Contact us for an appointment at our conveniently located Grapevine office.