A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that may be used to diagnose and treat various conditions, including endometriosis.

A laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small surgical incision during a laparoscopy. This allows your doctor to look at the tissue or sample it.

They may also remove cysts, implants, and scar tissue caused by endometriosis.

A minimally-invacous procedure for endometriosis is called a laparoscopy. It is usually performed by a surgeon or gynecologist. Most people are released from the hospital on the same day. Sometimes overnight monitoring is required.

If your doctor recommends a laparoscopy, you should.

  • You experience abdominal pain that is believed to be caused by endometriosis.
  • Endometriosis or related symptoms have continued or reappeared after hormone therapy.
  • Endometriosis is thought to be interfering with the bladder or bowel.
  • Endometriosis is suspected to be causing infertility.
  • An abnormal mass has been found on your ovary.

Everyone can not have laparoscopic surgery. Hormone therapy may be prescribed first. Endometriosis that affects the bladder may require more extensive surgery.

“You may be told to not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Laparoscopies are done on an outpatient basis. You don’t need to stay at the hospital overnight. You may need to stay longer if there are problems. It is a good idea to pack a few items.”

You can arrange for a partner, family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure. General anesthesia, which allows an individual to go into a sleep-like state during a procedure and feel no pain, can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. It is a good idea to have a bag or bin ready for the ride home.

You might be told not to shower or take a bath for a period of time after a laparoscopy to allow the incision to heal.

It might make you feel more comfortable.

Once you are under general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain, and you will fall asleep. It can be given through an IV line or oral.

During a laparoscopy, your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen. A small tube is inserted into the opening. The abdomen is inflated with gas with the help of a cannula. This helps your surgeon see the inside of your body.

The laparoscope will be inserted under the belly button. The laparoscope has a small camera on top that allows them to see your internal organs. Your surgeon may make more than one incision to get a better view.

When you find scar tissue, your surgeon will likely use one of several techniques to treat it. These include:

  • excision. Your surgeon will remove the tissue.
  • ablation. This procedure uses freezing, heating, electricity, or laser beams to destroy the tissue.

Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches after the procedure is over.

You might experience something after the surgery.

  • There are side effects from the anesthesia.
  • Excess gas causes some uncomfortable sensations.
  • vaginal bleeding
  • There is some pain at the site of the surgery.
  • There is some pain in the abdomen.
  • Changes in mood.

You should not do certain activities after your surgery. These include:

  • intense exercise
  • bending.
  • stretching
  • lifting
  • Sexual intercourse.

It can take a week or more before you are ready to return to your regular activities.

Your first period after the surgery may be longer, heavier, or more painful than usual. Try not to panic. Your body is still healing on the inside, even if you feel better. If pain is severe, contact your doctor or emergency medical care.

You can make the recovery process easier after your surgery.

  • getting enough rest
  • drinking enough fluids and eating a healthy diet.
  • Doing gentle movements can help eliminate excess gas.
  • Keeping your incision clean and out of the sun is important.
  • Your body needs time to heal.
  • If you experience any problems, you should immediately contact your doctor.

Your doctor may suggest a follow-up appointment after surgery. This is a good time to discuss a long-term treatment plan for your endometriosis and fertility options.

In some studies, laparoscopic surgery is associated with decreased overall pain both at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, you may need additional surgery.

Infertility

While the link between endometriosis and infertility remains unclear, 30 to 50 percent of individuals dealing with infertility also have endometriosis.

In one small study from 2014, 71 percent of women under the age of 25 who underwent laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis went on to get pregnant and give birth.

If you have endometriosis, you should talk to your doctor about the many options available for people who want to become parents.

Laparoscopic surgery has certain risks, but they are rare. These include:

  • There are infections in the bladder, uterus, or surrounding tissues.
  • There was uncontrollable bleeding.
  • Damage to the bladder, bowel, or ureter.
  • It is scarring.

If you experience any of the following after surgery, you should contact your doctor or emergency medical care.

  • There is severe pain.
  • “nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away in a couple of days.”
  • Increased bleeding.
  • The site of the incision has increased pain.
  • abnormal vaginal discharge
  • There was an unusual discharge at the site of the surgery.
  • “Pain medication doesn’t cure it.”
  • There is a high degree of fever.

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions. In some cases, laparoscopy can improve your chances of getting pregnant. There are rare occurrences. Most women recover.

Laparoscopic surgery has risks and benefits, so talk to your doctor about it.