Endometriosis Operation and general anasthetic

[msemma]

I am booked in to have a Laparoscoypy, Hysteroscopy, Endometrial Biospy next month to find out if I have endometriosis. Has anyone had one of these? I think they go in by my bellybutton with a little camera? I'm a bit scared by the form they made me fill in (the usual side effects and risks etc) and also because I've never had a general anasthetic before, what will it be like? The op is first thing in the morning.

[xhxmxsx]

i'm sorry i haven't had one but i'm currently trying to get my doctor to refer me to a specialist as i have many symptoms and my mum also has it , google endometriosis and it comes up with all sorts of support groups and websites you should be able to find something on there to help you

[Octavius]

A laparoscopy involves two cuts approximately 5-10mm long. The first cut is made just below the navel. A hollow needle is inserted. This is then connected to a supply of carbon dioxide gas, which is pumped through the needle and into the abdomen. This lifts the wall of the abdomen away from the organs inside, making it easier and safer to insert the laparoscope and examine the internal organs.

The procedure uses a laparoscope. This is a long thin instrument with a light source at its tip, to light up the inside of the abdomen or pelvis. Fibre optic fibres carry images from a lens, also at the tip of the instrument, to a video monitor, which the surgeon and other theatre staff can view in real time.

The laparoscope is inserted through a second small cut made on the abdomen. The exact position depends on the reason for the procedure. For instance, women having a gynaecological investigation will usually have the incision in the belly button. This minimises visible scarring.

General anaesthetic following an operation can make you feel drowsy, nauseous, thirsty and weak, so plenty of rest afterwards will be recommended. It is natural to worry about such things but this is a routine procedure and you will be in and out in no time, possibly without even knowing anything much about it.

[Hermia]

I have had a Laparoscopy and a Hysteroscopy. They are okay, but I can think of other ways I'd rather spend the day! I was on a ward with about 10 women who all had one or both done and 8 of them were sitting up and chatting within an hour. Myself and another girl felt pretty crap.

When I woke up my stomach felt VERY bloated like I wanted to go to loo. I then got VERY bad cramps and had to be put on morphine (which got rid of them almost immediately). It took me far longer to recover than normal (partly due to being off my head on morphine) and I did bleed quite heavily which was a shock. For the next few days I had bad period-type pains and had to be prescribed strong painkillers. After that I was fine though and my navel healed very quickly.

I think the other badly-affected woman had to stay in overnight, but as I said the other women didn't seem to be affected at all. Just make sure you have painkillers, pads and someone to keep an eye on you.

It is a very routine operation so don't worry. A general anasthetic is not nice, but they do give you drugs to stop you feeling too crap.