Surgical Solutions for Endometriosis: What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can affect multiple organs, leading to severe pain, discomfort, and fertility challenges. For women with deep infiltrating endometriosis or those who do not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery is often the best option.

The most common procedure performed is Laparoscopic Excision Surgery, where endometriosis tissue is carefully removed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you’re considering surgery for endometriosis, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from preparation and the surgery itself to post-operative recovery.

Before Surgery: Preparing Mentally and Physically

1. Choosing the Right Surgeon

One of the most important decisions before surgery is selecting a specialized endometriosis surgeon.

✔ Choose a doctor who specializes in endometriosis surgery and has expertise in advanced laparoscopic and excision techniques.
✔ Discuss their experience, training, and surgical success rates in complex cases.
✔ If needed, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion for better clarity and confidence.

2. Pre-Surgical Consultations and Tests

Your doctor will provide a detailed assessment of your condition, including:

✔ The extent of endometriosis involvement
✔ The risks and benefits of surgery
✔ Post-surgery care and recovery expectations

To prepare for surgery, you may undergo:

🩸 Blood tests
🖥 Ultrasound or MRI to map the disease
👩‍⚕️ Pelvic examination

Once your reports are ready, your surgeon will finalize the best surgical approach for your case.

3. Preparing Your Body for Surgery

In the weeks leading up to surgery, your doctor may advise:

✔ Avoiding certain medications (e.g., blood thinners)
✔ Eating a balanced diet to boost recovery
✔ Bowel preparation (laxatives before surgery if the bowel is affected)

4. Emotional Preparation

Surgery can be emotionally challenging, and it’s natural to feel nervous. Managing stress through:

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & relaxation techniques
💬 Speaking with a counselor
👨‍👩‍👧 Seeking support from family, friends, or online groups

can help you feel more confident and prepared.

During Surgery: What to Expect in the Operating Room

1. Types of Endometriosis Surgery

🔹 Laparoscopic Excision Surgery – The gold standard for endometriosis treatment, where all visible disease is precisely removed.

🔹 Laparotomy (Open Surgery) – Less common, used in severe cases where large sections of tissue need removal.

🔹 Hysterectomy – In rare cases, the removal of the uterus may be considered, though it is not the first-line treatment for young women, especially those planning for pregnancy.

Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on the severity and location of the disease.

2. What Happens in the Operating Room?

✔ General anesthesia is administered.
✔ Small incisions (4-5) are made in the abdomen.
✔ A laparoscope (camera) is inserted for precision.
✔ Specialized instruments are used to excise endometriosis tissue.
✔ Duration: The procedure can take 1-4 hours, depending on severity.

3. Post-Surgery: Immediate Care

✔ You’ll wake up in the recovery room after anesthesia wears off.
✔ Some discomfort, bloating, or shoulder pain (from the gas used in surgery) is normal.
✔ Pain medications will be provided for relief.
✔ Most minimally invasive procedures allow for faster recovery, with discharge in 1-3 days.

After Surgery: Recovery and Long-Term Care

1. Immediate Recovery

✔ Expect swelling, tiredness, and discomfort in the first few days.
✔ Rest is crucial—avoid heavy lifting and keep the incision area clean.
✔ Light activities may resume in 1-2 weeks, but full recovery can take 4-6 weeks.

2. Follow-Up Appointments

✔ Essential for monitoring healing progress.
✔ The doctor will review pathology reports and assess recurrence risks.
✔ Hormonal therapy may be prescribed for some cases to prevent recurrence.

3. Managing Post-Surgical Symptoms

While surgery significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life, some women may experience persistent symptoms.

🔹 Pelvic physiotherapy can help relieve pain and muscle dysfunction.
🔹 Dietary changes & exercise can support long-term recovery.
🔹 Medication may be needed for persistent symptoms.

4. Fertility After Surgery

✔ If surgery was done to improve fertility, your doctor may recommend timing conception within an optimal window.
✔ A fertility specialist may be consulted if conception does not occur within the recommended timeframe.

5. Long-Term Outlook

Endometriosis can sometimes recur, but you can minimize risks by:

✔ Following medical advice (hormonal therapy if prescribed)
✔ Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, stress management)
✔ Regular check-ups to detect any signs of recurrence early

Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your Health

Surgery is often a life-changing step for women suffering from severe endometriosis. While it offers significant relief, post-surgical care and long-term management are just as important for lasting results.

💡 If you’re considering surgery for endometriosis, consulting an expert surgeon is key to ensuring the best possible outcome.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Vivek Salunke, a leading endometriosis surgeon at Nalini Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, specializes in advanced laparoscopic and excision surgeries.

With his expertise and patient-centered approach, Dr. Salunke provides:

✅ Personalized surgical solutions
✅ Effective pain relief & symptom management
✅ Improved fertility outcomes

📞 Book a consultation today: +91 9082265731