Why Is Laparoscopic Surgery Done?

A woman’s body is full of mystery, mostly due to the fact that hormones have a way of influencing every major body system – including, and perhaps especially, a woman’s reproductive system. Reproductive organs must strike a balance between normal function and ideal hormone secretion, but that perfect balance is hard to find. At Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX, we know that sometimes alleviating discomfort means finding a surgical solution, such as laparoscopy.

Why Is Laparoscopic Surgery Done?

A laparoscopic surgery is a two-part minimally invasive technique that allows your surgeon to get a better idea about your condition before pursuing further treatment. Laparoscopy is usually done to diagnose and treat uterine abnormalities, specifically those that have not been successfully treated with other methods, including medication.

What Are Uterine Abnormalities?

There are many uterine abnormalities that women commonly suffer from. Uterine abnormalities can include anything from irregular bleeding to painful cramping after intercourse, as well as difficulty with fertility or staying pregnant. Sometimes a uterine abnormality is a simple matter of size and shape, which nothing can be done about. Othertimes, uterine abnormalities include issues such as:

Pelvic Pain

Many women suffer from pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle, but many women suffer pelvic pain during other times of the month, as well. Unexplained pelvic pain can be the result of an infection or a UTI, but it can also be the result of undiagnosed uterine or ovarian disorders. For example, women who have severe menstrual cramps may find that their pelvic pain is caused by an unusually thick uterine lining.

Another cause for pelvic pain is an ectopic pregnancy, which is when an egg is fertilized outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. One of the only ways to verify an ectopic pregnancy is with laparoscopy.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an extremely painful uterine abnormality in which uterine lining shed during menstruation is grown outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause tissues to be grown on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and even the bowels. Left untreated, pelvic pain can become chronic, periods will be irregular or non-existent, and the ability to conceive will be limited.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are usually benign, but these fluid-filled sacs that sit on the outer surface of the ovaries can cause painful cramping, irregular menstruation, constipation, and pain during intercourse. Some ovarian cysts go away by themselves, while others sometimes need to be removed.

Uterine Fibrosis

Uterine fibrosis is a condition that causes benign tumors or fibroids to develop in the uterus, which can prolong periods, cause pelvic pain and lower back pain, and cause exceptionally heavy menstrual cycles. Similarly to ovarian cysts, uterine fibrosis may or may not need to be surgically treated.

Infections

Uterine abnormalities may also be caused by certain infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and occurs when the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries have been infected with bacteria associated with STIs. While pelvic inflammatory disease can sometimes resolve itself, it usually requires a diagnosis and a round of antibiotics to treat.

How Is Laparoscopy Done?

A laparoscopy is performed by using a small scope camera, which is inserted through a small incision on the lower abdomen. The camera allows a better view of the reproductive organs for the purpose of diagnosis. If further surgery is required while laparoscopic surgery is being performed, it’s usually done at the same time to minimize additional invasive techniques.

Will You Need a Consultation?

Yes, you will need to attend a consultation appointment before laparoscopic surgery is done. You will need to discuss certain medication information, such as the date of your last period, your state of sexual activity, the possibility of being pregnant, and the symptoms you have been experiencing. If you have tried medications for treatment in the past and those medications have not worked to alleviate your symptoms, you will likely need to have this surgery to obtain a diagnosis.

What Is Recovery Like?

Because this surgery is minimally invasive, your recovery period is going to be short. Most patients only need to rest for three to five days before resuming most normal activities, including light exercise and work.

However, if your laparoscopic surgery was the first step in diagnosing your uterine abnormality and involved further surgery, you can expect that your recovery time will be longer as a result. Some patients require about two to four weeks to be fully recovered, depending on the amount of invasiveness the treatment required.

Will You Have a Scar?

While it’s unlikely that you will have a scar as a result of the small incision used for your laparoscopic surgery, there are some patients who might have a small keloid scar, which is a raised scar. To prevent any scarring, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions closely, avoid direct sunlight on your incision, and use topical ointments.

Who Are Good Candidates?

Good candidates for this treatment include otherwise healthy women who have not received a diagnosis for unexplained pelvic pain and who suspect they may have a uterine abnormality. You are likely a good candidate for this procedure if you have:

• Cramping
• Heavy menstruation
• Irregular cycles
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Low fertility

 

Alleviate Uterine Abnormalities With Laparoscopy

Whether the pain is new or chronic, you don’t have to suffer from pelvic pain. But using the right procedure to diagnose your pain, you can finally get the treatment you need. Contact Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX to schedule your initial appointment today.