Excision of endometriosis is a good option for you and we would expect your symptoms to improve post-operatively. Your operation will last about 1.5 - 2 hours.
Is endometriosis surgery a major surgery? In most cases, no. Historically, surgeons performed open surgery — which requires a large incision across your abdomen — to remove endometriosis.
Please pace your activity after surgery- the first week or 2 it's ok to take short walks, less than 15 minutes at a time. Between 2-4 weeks, you can start pushing yourself to walk farther and faster, but don't lift anything heavier than 5 lbs.
Pain and discomfort
You can expect to feel pain in your lower abdomen for a few days after your operation. The area around your scars may feel particularly sensitive. You may also have pain in your shoulder. This is a common side effect of laparoscopic surgery and will get better over the first 24-48 hours.
Most women should be able to walk slowly and steadily for 30-60 minutes by the middle of the first week, and will be back to their previous activity levels by the second week. Swimming is an ideal exercise and, if you have had no additional procedure, you can start as soon as you feel comfortable.
How does endometriosis surgery affect weight? Indirectly, having surgery to remove the characteristic growths may help with pain and reduce bloating. This, in turn, may help a person lose weight. However, no clinical evidence confirms this.
Will the bloating go away after endo surgery? Yes, endometriosis surgery often resolves the underlying cause of your abdominal swelling.
Patients who have more advanced endometriosis, pain that does not resolve with other treatments or are trying to conceive may need surgery. Laparoscopy is the most common surgery doctors use to treat endometriosis.
Surgery can be performed to improve endometriosis-related pain by removing the abnormal endometriosis tissue and scar tissue that forms as a result of the lesions. In most cases, endometriosis surgery is recommended when other less invasive treatments have failed to manage your pain.
The outlook for fertility after endometriosis surgery is very positive. Between 45 and 75% of women who undergo the surgery are able to conceive after healing. Many of these pregnancies are even achieved naturally.
A rough “rule of thumb” is that most patients may return to driving when they are freely mobile without requiring pain-relief medications, and can safely depress the foot pedal of the car's brakes without causing any pain. This depends on the nature of the surgery as well as an individual's recovery process.
On your first day at home, have light liquids and foods such as apple juice, ginger ale, ice pops, soup, crackers, and toast to help prevent stomach upset. Avoid citrus juices such as orange juice and tomato juice. You may gradually add foods.
Stage 4 endometriosis is not considered to be a fatal disease. However, it can cause dangerous, life-threatening side effects, plus severely hamper your quality of life.
Rate of recurrence of endometriosis following surgery
The rate of recurrence of endometriosis is thought to be between 20 and 40% within five years of conservative surgery.
The surgeon removes any visible endometrial implants and scar tissue at the same time as the diagnostic procedure. This minimally invasive surgery takes place in the hospital but requires only small incisions and a relatively short recovery time.
Experiences with the first period after a laparoscopy can vary dramatically. If your period is more painful, longer, or heavier than usual, don't panic. Internal healing takes much longer than external healing. Therefore, your first few periods may be more painful.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
It depends on factors such as the reason the procedure was carried out (whether it was used to diagnose or treat a condition), your general health and if any complications develop. If you've had laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, you'll probably be able to resume your normal activities within 5 days.
After 24 hours, you can have a shower. You should avoid having a bath if possible for the first two weeks after your surgery, as this can soften the stitches before your wound is fully healed. The first time you have a shower, it's a good idea to have someone at home with you, in case you feel dizzy or faint.
Recover times and what to expect after endometriosis surgery
3-4 days of quick recovery. Ability to exercise and have intercourse within 7-10 days, usually off work one week. Well recovered by 4-8 weeks. Normal fertility within 4-8 weeks of surgery.
During laparoscopic surgery, placement of an indwelling urinary catheter is a routine procedure to improve the surgical field, prevent iatrogenic injury, reduce the incidence of urinary retention and allow the accurate assessment of urinary output during surgery [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]].
You may shower the day after surgery. It is okay to use soap and water on your abdomen, but do not wash or scrub your incisions. After showering, gently blot incisions dry with a towel. No douching, tampon application, tub baths, swimming, or sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after surgery.
Sleeping in a semi-upright position is recommended, using a few pillows to elevate the head and shoulders to avoid putting pressure on the abdominal area. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or the side where the incisions were made.