For women in their childbearing years who are suffering from endometriosis, resection surgery can greatly reduce pain while protecting reproductive organs. Minimally invasive surgeries are especially effective at relieving pelvic pain in a safe, efficient manner.
What is it?
The endometrium is the layer of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and sheds during menstruation. In some women, similar endometrial tissue can be found growing outside of the uterus within the pelvic cavity. This condition is known as endometriosis and can have no effect on a patient’s life or be extremely painful. A robotic endometriosis resection is a procedure aiming to preserve the function of the ovaries and uterus while relieving the patient of any symptoms. The surgery will be performed laparoscopically and allow for the surgeon to remove some of the abnormal tissue. Symptoms are likely to return after a few years since this surgery does not cure the condition, but it significantly relieves pain and preserves the childbearing function of the patient’s organs.
How to Prepare
Surgeons will likely ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night before the procedure. A special medication may be given to patients to help clear their colon. General anesthesia will be used for the procedure, but patients can usually leave the same day they receive surgery. Make preparations at home for a longer recovery. Recovery times vary greatly, but persistent pain and low-energy levels are common side effects after surgery.
What happens during the process?
Small incisions will be made in the abdomen where the surgeon will insert the various laparoscopic tools. Using robotic arms controlled from a console, the surgeon can then remove the tissues that are causing pain. Sometimes the tissues may be deeply embedded in the organs, so the surgeon may only be able to remove some of the tissue. This process can take anywhere from one to four hours.
Risks and Complications
- Excessive bleeding
- Damage to the bladder or other organs
- Infection
- Formation of scar tissue
- Childbirth complications
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Image Source:
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