You've probably heard of Endometriosis, a condition that affects many women and has a huge impact on their daily lives. Maybe you too are suffering from unbearable pain caused by this condition. When the pain doesn't subside despite taking medication, has your doctor mentioned surgery? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when the word "surgery" comes up. But don't worry. Today, we'll clear up all your doubts about this.
Simply put, what is endometriosis surgery?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should be inside your uterus grows outside of it, in other places, such as your lower abdomen. When this tissue grows in the wrong places, it can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, and even difficulty having children.
So, endometriosis surgery is the removal of tissue that has grown in these wrong places . This surgery is done for two main reasons:
1. Diagnose: Sometimes, even though scans can't find it, this way, you can use a camera to look at it and confirm for sure, "Yes, you have endometriosis."
2. Treat: Once the disease is confirmed, this surgery can provide you with relief by removing the unwanted tissue that is causing the pain.
Is this a major operation? Should I be afraid?
This is the biggest problem for many people. The good news is, most of the time, no . In the past, this was done through a major, open surgery that involved cutting open the abdomen. But now, with advances in medical science, many people are undergoing a minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopy . This is also known as "keyhole surgery." So there's nothing to be afraid of anymore.
What surgical procedures are available?
There are two main surgical procedures. Your doctor will choose the method that is best for you.
| Surgical method | How it happens |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopy (Keyhole surgery) | This is the most commonly used and most modern method . Here, a very small incision (about 1 centimeter) is made in the abdomen, either in the navel or elsewhere, and a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through it. One or two more small incisions are made, surgical instruments are inserted, and the endometriosis tissue is removed using the images seen from the camera. |
| Laparotomy (Open surgery) | This is the old method. Here, a large incision is made through the lower abdomen, completely opening the abdomen. This method is used very rarely now. It is only used if the disease is very widespread, the condition is very serious, or if there is another reason why laparoscopic surgery cannot be performed. |
Laparoscopic surgery is considered the gold standard because it provides faster recovery, less scarring, and a lower risk of complications.
Who needs this surgery?
Your doctor will decide whether surgery is necessary. Surgery may usually be recommended in the following cases:
- If you have severe lower abdominal pain that has been present for a long time .
- If the pain cannot be controlled with the medication you take.
- If other organs are affected by endometriosis tissue.
- If you have difficulty conceiving a child (infertility) .
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions on this, but in general, keep these things in mind.
- On the day of surgery , talk to someone you trust who will drive you to and from the hospital and back home. You will not be able to drive alone after surgery.
- You will be informed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
- If you are taking any special medications, such as blood thinners, be sure to ask your doctor if you need to stop taking them before surgery.
- If you are a smoker, you should stop completely at least 3 weeks before surgery . Smoking greatly interferes with the healing process.
- When you get home, have some light food and drinks (like hot soup, porridge, jelly) and fluids ready.
What happens during the surgery?
Let's talk about laparoscopic surgery, because that's what's done most often.
1. First, an anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia . This means you will be completely asleep during the surgery and will not feel anything. The team will continuously monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
2. The surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen near your navel.
3. Next, a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is injected to inflate the abdomen slightly so that the organs inside the abdomen can be clearly seen.
4. The laparoscope , a tube with a camera, is inserted through the incision.
5. The images from this camera are viewed on a monitor to pinpoint the exact locations of endometriosis tissue.
6. Then, special thin instruments are inserted through one or two more small incisions and all that unwanted tissue is burned or cut away.
7. Finally, all instruments are removed, the air that was introduced is removed, and the small incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
What should I expect after surgery?
After a laparoscopic surgery, you can usually go home the same evening . You will be allowed to leave the hospital after resting for a while and after it is confirmed that you are in good condition.
- Rest: It is essential to get a good rest for a few days after returning home. It is normal to feel tired.
- Pain: There may be some pain in the incisions and shoulder area for a few days. The doctor will prescribe painkillers for this.
- Back to normal life: You can usually return to normal activities after about two weeks . However, you may need to stop doing things like lifting weights for a while. This time may vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Can this disease come back after surgery?
This is also a problem for many people. Yes, sometimes there is a chance of recurrence of the disease. There are several reasons for this:
- The severity of the disease at the time of surgery.
- How well the surgery completely removed the tissue.
- Whether or not you took hormone-controlling medical treatments (e.g., birth control pills) after surgery.
Therefore, it is very important to stay in touch with your doctor and follow his or her instructions even after surgery.
What are the symptoms that require you to see a doctor immediately?
Watch for these symptoms while you are at home after surgery. If you have any of these, call your doctor or hospital immediately .
| Symptoms to watch out for | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | Body temperature over 101°F (38.3°C). |
| Difference in cuts | Redness around the wound, swelling, or pus-like discharge from the wound. |
| Extreme pain | The pain is so severe that it can't be controlled even with painkillers. |
| Heavy bleeding | Heavy vaginal bleeding (wetting more than one pad per hour). |
| Difficulty urinating | A feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder or burning with urination. |
Take-Home Message
- Endometriosis surgery is a procedure that diagnoses the disease, removes the tissue that is causing the pain, and provides relief.
- Laparoscopy is often performed through small incisions. This is safer and heals faster than larger open surgery.
- Although the pain is greatly reduced after surgery, sometimes the disease can recur. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions even after surgery.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, excessive pain, or wound swelling after surgery, notify your doctor immediately .
- This is a decision that will affect your life. So , be sure to discuss all your concerns and fears openly with your doctor . Don't be afraid to ask anything.
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