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Gynecology

Confused about laparoscopy

01/23/2008

Question:

hi there,

I hope you can help.

I have recently had an ectopic pregnancy and they had to remove my left tube. Whilst in surgery they discovered i have significant endometriosis.

I am a little confused about why surgery is recommended. What are the reasons for having laparoscopy and does it matter if i don`t (considering i don`t get massive period pains). They told me my other option was to return in 2 months for a tubal ultrasound? Why wouldn`t i just do this anyway?

Thanks so much, Clare

Answer:

The odd thing about endometriosis (EM), is that the degree of severity doesn't correlate with the amount of symptoms. The classic symptoms are pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements, pain with menses and infertility. It is very likely that the EM significantly contributed to your ectopic. Laparoscopy with removal of the adhesions would help with some of those symptoms as well as reduce the chance of infertility and ectopic. If you are not considering pregnancy, then you may want to postpone surgery until later since the chances of conceiving are greatest right after surgery. At the least, you should be treated medically to slow the progression of the EM.

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Response by:

No longer associated Thomas A deHoop, MD
Formerly Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Medical Student Education
No longer associated
Thomas A deHoop, MD