Laparoscopic surgery
Excision surgery for endometriosis
Specialist keyhole surgery to fully remove endometriosis lesions: the gold standard for long-term pain relief and improved fertility outcomes.
- At hospital
- 60–180 minutes
- General anaesthetic
Overview
About this procedure.
Endometriosis can be treated in two main ways at surgery: excision (cutting it out) or ablation (burning the surface). Excision is considered the gold standard because it removes the lesion completely, including the deeper, often-missed tissue, and gives longer-lasting relief.
For many patients, excision surgery is life-changing. Mr Orabi is an experienced laparoscopic surgeon and BSGE member, and where complex or deep disease is identified, he will work with the right multidisciplinary team to plan your care safely.
Setting
At hospital
Duration
60–180 minutes
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Indications
What it's for.
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Confirmed or strongly suspected endometriosis
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Chronic pelvic pain not controlled by medication
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Pain with intercourse or bowel movements
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Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts)
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Fertility difficulties thought to be related to endometriosis
On the day
How it's done.
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Procedure done under general anaesthetic via keyhole (laparoscopic) approach
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A few small incisions are made on the abdomen
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Carbon-dioxide gas is used to gently inflate the abdomen for clear views
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All visible endometriosis is carefully cut out, not burned
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Removed tissue is sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis
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Ovarian endometriomas can be carefully drained and removed at the same operation
Recovery
After your procedure.
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Most patients go home the same day or after one night
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Light cramping, bloating and shoulder discomfort for a few days is normal
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Light activity in the first week, normal activity in around two weeks
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Internal healing continues for several months
Benefits
Why this approach.
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More effective long-term pain relief than ablation (burning)
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Lower recurrence rate
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Better outcomes for fertility
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Definitive tissue diagnosis from the removed specimen
Risks
What to be aware of.
- Bleeding or infection (uncommon)
- Injury to bowel, bladder or ureter (rare)
- Recurrence of endometriosis over time
- Conversion to open surgery (very rare)