Our first step is to assess your symptoms and examine your pelvis. The next step is to have a laparoscopy, the only way to make a definite diagnosis. This surgery is done under general anaesthetic. We insert a fine fibre-optic telescope through your navel to view the internal organs. This is sometimes called keyhole surgery.
If we find endometriosis, we can treat you at the same time.
We make three more small incisions below your navel. Through these incisions, we remove the endometrial tissue with an instrument that uses electrical current. Our lab then inspects the tissue by microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery takes 1-3 hours depending on severity of the disease. After surgery, you are likely to spend one or two nights in hospital and may return to work within one or two weeks.
The aim of modern treatment is to completely remove the disease and protect your internal organs from damage. We do not use drugs as the first line of treatment because of their inability to provide a cure and side effects.
Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionised the treatment of endometriosis. The benefits are:
- More accurate surgical technique
- Shorter stay in hospital
- Less pain after your operation
- Quicker recovery
- Speedier return to work and other activities
About 80 per cent of women have significant and lasting relief from pain following surgery. It may take up to three months for you to heal and feel the benefits. In that time, your period pain may be similar to the pain you experienced before surgery.
A few women experience persistent pain long term, possibly caused by a return of the disease, adhesions or scar tissue. About 40 per cent of women with endometriosis find it difficult to become pregnant. But with treatment, fertility can improve to between 40 and 60 per cent.
About 5 per cent of women have severe endometriosis, which may involve the bowel wall. These women often require advanced surgical procedures with gynaecologists specialising in endometriosis. Sometimes they also require the skills of a surgical team including a gynaecologist, general surgeon and urologist.
Whether or not you go ahead with surgery, it is well worth looking at your lifestyle. You could try the following:
- Change to a healthier diet
- Get regular exercise
- Stress management techniques may help
Education and support will increase your understanding of endometriosis. You may wish to seek help from other health professionals such as:
- Pain therapist
- Psychologist
- Dietitian
- Physiotherapist
