Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

Laparoscopy for Endometrisosis Treatment in Kenya

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows in other places in the body, forming lesions.

Endometrial tissue responds to hormones, causing some cramping and bleeding during a person’s period as their body expels the tissue. Having this tissue in other locations can cause severe pain, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling.

Endometriosis lesions are difficult or often impossible to detect using non-invasive imaging techniques, such as ultrasounds, so doctors must do a laparoscopy to make a diagnosis.

If endometriosis can be seen during the laparoscopy, a sample will usually be taken for biopsy. This will confirm the diagnosis.

Benefits of Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Endometriosis?

A laparoscopy or keyhole surgery involves a surgeon making small incisions in a person’s abdomen and inserting a tiny camera that allows them to see inside the abdomen, look for endometriosis lesions, and remove them with surgical instruments if possible.

The added advantage of laparoscopy in endometriosis is that your diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment can be carried out at the same time.

It can also be used to find out where the endometriosis is and how much of it there is, as well as making sure there is no other medical problem that is causing your symptoms.

Why is laparoscopy for endometriosis done?

Laparoscopy is used to examine the pelvic organs and to remove implants and scar tissue. In endometriosis, this procedure is typically used for checking and treating:

• Severe endometriosis and scar tissue that is thought to be interfering with internal organs, such as the bowel or bladder.
• Endometriosis pain that has continued or returned after hormone therapy.
• Severe endometriosis pain (some women and their doctors choose to skip medicine treatment).
• An endometriosis cyst on an ovary (endometrioma).
• Endometriosis is a possible cause of infertility. The surgeon usually removes any visible implants and scar tissue to improve fertility.

When is it time for Endometriosis Surgery?

If you have severe endometriosis pain and medication doesn’t help enough, your doctor might recommend surgery. They can find the endometriosis inside your body and take out all or some of the affected tissue.

There are some things to think about, including whether you want to get pregnant later.

You might not be able to have children after certain endometriosis operations. Talk with your doctor about what options are a good fit for you.

Whether you should have surgery may depend on your age and your overall health.

Talk with your doctor if:

1. You have severe pelvic pain
2. Medication doesn’t get your symptoms under control
3. You have trouble getting pregnant
4. A growth in your pelvic area needs to be removed

Not all endometriosis can be treated with laparoscopy, however.
Sometimes endometriosis affects other organs such as the bowel or ureter (the tube from the kidney to the bladder).

If this is the case, you may require further surgery at a later date. Further surgery is likely to involve other specialist surgeons.