Laparoscopic resection of endometriosis is a surgical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat mild to severe cases of endometriosis. It is a minimally invasive surgery that involves making small incisions in the belly and inserting a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, to examine the pelvic organs and remove implants and scar tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon can remove any endometriosis scarring and lesions, and depending on how much endometriosis needs to be removed, the procedure can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours or more. Laparoscopy is the most common procedure used to diagnose and remove mild to moderate endometriosis.
There are two main techniques used in laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: ablation and excision. Ablation involves destroying a lesion, for example, by burning it, while excision involves cutting out the lesion. Excision is generally considered to be the preferred technique for treating endometriosis, as it is more effective at removing the entire lesion and reducing the risk of recurrence.
The goal of laparoscopic resection of endometriosis is to improve symptoms, preserve fertility for women who would like to postpone childbearing, and provide infertility treatment for women who desire pregnancy. While surgery can provide significant relief for most people, it does not guarantee long-lasting results, and pain can return a few years after surgery. Hormone therapy may be used after surgery to help prevent pain and new or returning endometriosis.
