We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Endometriosis Excision?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,031
Share

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain, cramping, and general discomfort in women. The condition occurs when uterine-like cells grow elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries or rectum. Endometriosis excision is a surgery sometimes indicated to remove the cells, as they can become irritated and inflamed during menstruation and cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Many cases of endometriosis can be controlled with medications and hormone replacement therapy, though a severe or persistent problem may require surgery. Endometriosis excision surgery is a highly effective, safe procedure that provides many patients with permanent symptom relief.

Before considering endometriosis excision, a gynecologist will typically attempt to treat the condition with prescription drugs. Birth control pills and other types of estrogen blockers may help to relieve symptoms in many women by suppressing menstruation, which stops endometrial cells from reacting on a monthly basis. Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers may also be prescribed. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or endometriosis starts to spread to other structures within the pelvis.

Most endometriosis excision surgeries are performed laparoscopically, meaning that surgeons manipulate cameras and small instruments through two or more very small cuts in the abdomen. An incision is typically made underneath the navel so a fiber optic camera tube can be inserted. The surgeon makes another cut in the lower abdomen and uses the camera to guide scissors, scalpels, clamps, and other instruments. A probe may also be inserted through the vagina to move the uterus out of the way during surgery.

After identifying a cluster of endometrial cells on a fallopian tube, ovary, rectal wall, or bladder, the surgeon carefully begins to cut deep into the tissue. With the aid of the camera, he or she digs underneath the entire cluster and separates it from surrounding healthy tissue. The damaged cells and excess blood are removed with a suction device. Following endometriosis excision, the surgeon again inspects the area with the camera and sutures tissue linings to prevent bleeding and infection.

Most excision surgeries can be performed in less than one hour while the patient is under general anesthesia. Following the procedure, the patient is typically brought to a recovery room and monitored by nurses. She can usually leave the hospital in one or two days if complications do not arise. Occasionally, clumps of scar tissue called adhesions can form on organs following surgery that require additional operations.

Some gynecologists prefer a laser ablation procedure to endometriosis excision surgery. Ablation is performed in much the same way except that a laser is used instead of cutting instruments to burn away suspect tissue. The procedure has a lower success rate than excision, however, since it only removes the outermost layers of tissue. Underlying cells can still cause problems in the future. It is important for a woman to discuss surgical options in detail with her gynecologist to understand the risks, benefits, and prognoses associated with each procedure.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-endometriosis-excision.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.