This article discusses the types, recovery, success rates, and financial considerations of endometriosis surgery.
Nonsurgical medical management is used upfront to decrease the progression of endometriosis and reduce symptoms.
Is Endometriosis Surgery a Major Surgery?
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Most endometriosis surgeries are minimally invasive (laparoscopy).
Types of Endometriosis Surgery
Endometriosis surgery is categorized as either conservative or definitive.
Laparoscopy is usually a well-tolerated procedure, with a short hospital stay and minimal risk of infection.
The endometrial-like tissue is removed through one of the incisions.
Care must be taken not to damage the healthy tissue or organs surrounding the endometriosis patch.
How Successful Is Endometriosis Surgery?
Endometriosis surgery is successful for most people.
Sometimes those with moderate to severe pain report better postoperative outcomes than those with mild pain.
However, endometriosis symptoms can return.
Recurrence often happens two to five years after surgery.
A nurse may call you a couple of days in advance to review these instructions.
A nurse will take you to a preoperative room, where you will change into a hospital gown.
The IV will provide you with medications before, during, and after surgery.
You will also have the opportunity to use the restroom.
Theanesthesiologistwill come to your room after reviewing your medical chart.
They will confirm your health history and explain what pop in of anesthesia will be used.
The anesthesiologist will describe what you’re free to expect during the procedure.
You are closely monitored and cared for during the surgery.
What Happens During Endometriosis Surgery?
Your abdomen is cleaned and prepped before the surgery begins.
The surgeon makes a small incision near your belly button or pelvic bone.
Then, a small hollow unit called a trocar is placed through the incision.
A tube through the trocar pumps carbon dioxide gas into your abdominal cavity.
Sometimes the gas is pumped into the abdomen through a Veres needle.
The trocar is then placed after the abdomen is inflated with gas.
Additional abdominal incisions are made, allowing more instruments to be used during the procedure.
What Happens After Endometriosis Surgery?
Once the surgery is complete, you’ll be transferred to a post-op room.
A nurse will monitor you closely as you wake up from anesthesia.
Endometriosis Recovery: How Long Does It Take?
Recovery from endometriosis surgery depends on the bang out and complexity of the surgery and your health status.
Full recovery is different for everybody.
You may also notice a heavier flow than usual and increased cramping.
It can take a few months for your period to normalize.
Risk factors for a follow-up procedure include:
One study found that postoperative hormonal suppression can reduce endometriosis recurrence.
Those with moderate to severe endometriosis also have improved spontaneous birth rates after the laparoscopic removal of endometrial-like lesions.
ART proves to be the most effective option for pregnancy post-endometriosis surgery.
The average cost of endometriosis surgery without insurance is over $8,000.
Post-Op Endometriosis Wellness Tips
Well-being after endometriosis surgery is important for physical and mental health.
Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard technique for removing endometriosis patches.
The procedure is usually outpatient surgery that is well-tolerated.
Recovery time depends on the key in and complexity of the surgery.
A healthy lifestyle can improve quality of life after endometriosis surgery.
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