Laparoscopic procedure for endometriosis

Welcome to Connect, @karenolac. I'm tagging fellow members @kellidawn79 @macyg @airey2 and @philstar22 on this discussion, all of whom have experience with endometriosis and may have insight on laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Has laparoscopy been recommended for you Karen?

Hello karenolac,
I have had laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis (had to remove an ovary). They will make about 4 small incisions on your abdomen. The naval slit is usually for the light. They will pump carbon dioxide in your abdomen to help push the other organs aside. When the surgery is over, they will try to get rid of excess carbon dioxide out of you, but they won't be able to get it all. So for a few days, the remaining carbon dioxide will cause pressure. That is best relieved by lying down, but some gentle movement (walking) is good to remove it too.
Depending on how much is done, expect soreness. And depending on how you respond, you may be able to go home the same day, I did. If you cough, sneeze,etc. place a pillow over your abdomen and press firmly but gently to help prevent too much sudden pressure on the surgical sites.
Good Luck!

Thanks! How many days did it take to recover to normal activity like working?

Recovery time will depend on you. I went back to work 1 week after surgery, which was too soon (and also against the dr). So be sure and do what your dr says to do. I should've waited another week.

Hello, @karenolac – just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing. You'd mentioned laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Wondering if this is a surgery you will be having soon? What symptoms have you been experiencing?

For me I felt good to go pretty quickly after. So, I had to wait more for when I was cleared by my doc. My job is pretty physically demanding so didn’t want to have any steps backwards. Both the docs and nurses after my surgery said that if you are active before your surgery (Like already have a fitness regimen that is in place) those patients seem to fair better and heal faster. My first endo surgery was like one step away from a c-section……I had a very severe case. And that recovery period was awful…..because they had to open me up so it was like healing from a c-section. Since then, I have had 2 laparoscopic surgeries for endo and the recovery time and everything is soooooo much better than my first experience.

was back to work next day.
very easy procedure. You'll do just fine

My first recovery was not bad, second was a bit tougher because they removed an ovary and the third was the slowest for me. They attacked more aggressively in getting rid of it and also removed my appendix. My best advice… just listen to your body! Don’t push yourself!

Two years ago, My gynecologist did a D&C to treat my endometriosis. No down time (only the day of the procedure) and no further problems since then (2 years)