Laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to treat many gynecological conditions, including endometriosis. It allows for the location, assessment, and removal of lesions within the abdominal and pelvic organs without the need to cut through the abdominal wall, which is a significant advantage. In this article, we explore this topic and discuss the use of laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis, so you can better understand its importance and, above all, feel confident about undergoing this procedure if necessary. 

Laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis – what does the procedure involve?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method performed to treat abdominal diseases. It involves making a small incision and inserting a laparoscope (a thin device with a camera), which allows internal organs to be viewed and operations to be performed on a monitor. During the procedure, there is no need to perform an extensive incision in the abdominal wall, which significantly increases safety and reduces the risk of complications. 

How does laparoscopy differ from traditional surgical methods (laparotomy)? I've prepared a table for you comparing the two methods.

Laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis – indications 

Laparoscopy is one of the available methods of treating endometriosis, but it is never the first-line treatment. Although less invasive than traditional surgical methods, it still represents a significant intervention in the body. Therefore, it is performed when other methods (leczenie pharmacological, diet, supplementation, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy) did not produce the expected results or improve the quality of life of patients. A diagnosis of endometriosis does not mean you immediately have to lie on the operating table. There are many things you can do for yourself and your health before making such an important decision. You can read about non-surgical methods of treating endometriosis in our articles:

• Physiotherapy options in the treatment of endometriosis,
• The role of an anti-inflammatory diet in endometriosis,
• Herbs for endometriosis,
• What medications should be used for endometriosis?

Laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis – advantages

You already know that laparoscopy is not the first-line treatment, and after receiving a diagnosis, you can start with other, natural, less invasive methods, which, when used appropriately, help many women. However, it may happen that these methods do not produce satisfactory results, and your doctor will want to discuss surgical treatment with you. Remember, laparoscopy is not a punishment for not fully adhering to a diet and a healthy lifestyle. Every body and every endometriosis There are others – natural methods won't always be sufficient, and it's not your fault. Every surgical procedure, especially one performed under general anesthesia, raises certain concerns. However, laparoscopy has a very high safety profile and has many advantages, including:

• Leads to minimal surgical trauma – unlike standard surgical methods, tissue damage is really minimal,
• It carries a low risk of adhesions and postoperative scarring. – of course, any surgical intervention can cause new adhesions and scars, but in the case of laparoscopy it is lower than in traditional surgeries, 

• The hospitalization period after the procedure is short and usually does not exceed 2 days,

• Convalescence is short, and you can return to your daily professional and private activities relatively quickly,

• Contraindications to laparoscopy are rare and mainly include severe obesity, abdominal hernias and a recent heart attack.

Diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis – preparation

Preparing for a laparoscopy isn't difficult, and you don't have to worry about it. The most important thing is to complete all the tests your doctor orders, which will help the specialist assess whether the procedure is safe for you. Such a package typically includes the following: survey:

• Blood group determination,
• Blood count,
• Electrolyte levels,
• Basic parameters of the coagulation system,
• General urine test, 
• Hbs antigen,
• Cytological examination,
• Electrocardiographic examination. 

Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some should be discontinued a few days before the procedure. 1-2 days before your laparoscopy, eat easily digestible, nutritious meals that won't cause bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain. Choose warm, cooked meals, soups, and smoothies, and avoid fried, grilled, smoked, and fatty foods. On the day of your procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothes that won't cause pressure on your skin. stomach and in which you can breathe and move freely. Take your medical records with you, be positive, and remember that you are doing this for yourself – to feel better, safer, and more at peace in your own body. I also encourage you to read our ebook "Endometriosis surgery” which will guide you step by step through the entire process from preparation to recovery. 

Summary

Laparoscopy is one of the available endometriosis treatment methods, used when pharmacological treatment and lifestyle changes have proven insufficient. It allows for precise localization and removal of endometrial lesions, and recovery and return to full activity are significantly shorter than with traditional surgical methods, resulting in greater safety and comfort. 

Źródła:

1. Simko S. The future of diagnostic laparoscopy – Cons, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9175578/ [access: 23/10/2025]
2. Endometriosis Surgery, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4620-endometriosis-surgery [accessed: 23/10/2025]
3. Reroń A. Gynecological endoscopy – laparoscopy, https://ruj.uj.edu.pl/server/api/core/bitstreams/bc4d202d-c657-47e6-b1c2-d7908a3db39b/content [access: 23/10/2025]
4. Kędzia M. Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians regarding the management of women with endometriosis, https://www.ptgin.pl/sites/scm/files/2023-10/Rekomendacje%20ENDOMETRIOZA%2023.10.2023.png__1.pdf [accessed: 23/10/2025]
5. Position of the Expert Team of the Polish Gynecological Society on the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, Ginekologia Polska, 2012
6. Kwiatkowski P. Endometriosis – pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment, https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/42238 [accessed: 23/10/2025]
7. Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians regarding the management of women with endometriosis, https://pokonacendometrioze.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/101846-439375-1-SM.pdf [accessed: 23/10/2025]