Is Laparoscopy Beneficial for Endometriosis?Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and an advanced tool that is used in differentareas of medical science; infertility treatment being one of them. Endometriosis,one of the most common causes of infertility, and a painful disorder in a women’sreproductive system, is usually treated using laparoscopy.What is Endometriosis?The abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus that attaches to otherorgans in the pelvic cavity such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries is known asEndometriosis. The endometriosis implants will bleed during the menstrual period.As the tissues become enlarged, inflammation may cause pain. One of the possiblereasons for endometriosis may be excess estrogen levels in a women’s body. Thereis an increased incidence among family members suggesting a genetic component tothe disease. Endometriosis may affect fertility in many ways. Some of theseinclude:1.The over-production of prostaglandins which are hormones that plays animportant role in the fertilization of the egg and implantation of the embryo.2.Ovulation disturbances due to involvement of the ovaries3.Pelvic scarring restricting the tubes and ovaries4.Painful intercourse resulting in decreased frequency5.Immunological abnormalities leading to an increased risk of miscarriageLaparoscopy as a Treatment Option for EndometriosisIn women with moderate to severe endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery is aneffective treatment for endometriosis-related infertility, as it leads to betterpregnancy rates. It is unclear whether mild disease is similarly impacted bylaparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy is conducted to confirm the diagnosis and removeadhesions caused by endometriosis.Laparoscopy, considered as one of the least invasive surgical treatment optionthat is available today, is usually done under general anesthesia. The procedureincludes insertion of an instrument that has a tiny camera attached to it with alight, known as laparoscope, through a small abdominal incision. More than oneincision may be required for inserting other surgical instruments for betteraccess.The Need of LaparoscopyWhile treating Endometriosis, Laparoscopy is usually carried out for checking andtreating the following:•Examining the pelvic organs causing pelvic pain.•Removal of endometriosis implants and scar tissues.•Removal of endometriosis cyst on an ovary (endometrioma).•Endometriosis pain after a hormone therapy.Disadvantages of Laparoscopy used for EndometriosisThough laparoscopy is a great tool, it does have certain drawbacks when it comesto diagnosing Endometriosis. A laparoscopic surgery is not always helpful topatients of endometriosis on a long term basis. There might be some accidentaldamage to the surrounding organs while the doctor maneuvers the instruments insidethe body. There are also chances of the incision getting infected at times.
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