Minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Compared to traditional "open" surgery, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery may include:

• Significantly less pain

• Fewer complications

• Less blood loss

• Less risk of infections

• Less scarring

• Shorter recovery time

• Quicker return to normal activities

What is endometriosis?

Women who have endometriosis develop endometrial tissue outside of the uterus (tissue that is normally inside the uterus). The tissue still responds to the regular hormonal cycle of the female body by building up and breaking down with the menstrual cycle, resulting in internal bleeding, inflammation, cysts and scar tissue. The endometriosis scar tissue may also cause blockage in the pelvic area and organs, resulting in infertility or difficulty getting pregnant.

Endometriosis symptoms

The most common endometriosis symptoms are:

• Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow

• Cramps and menstrual pain

• Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation or nausea)

• Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Painful bowel movements during menstrual periods

• Painful urination during menstrual periods

• Pelvic pain

• Uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that are similar to endometriosis

Our minimally invasive procedures for endometriosis

Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that provides a solution to heavy periods by removing the endometrium — the inner lining of the uterus. This is a treatment best suited for women prior to menopause who experience heavy menstrual bleeding and who do not plan to have children in the future. The procedure generally does not require a hospital stay.

Laparoscopy
A laparoscope, used in laparoscopy procedures, consists of a long, slender lens with a miniature camera attached to it. The laparoscope is most often inserted through the bellybutton since it provides the shortest distance from the skin to the inside of the abdomen and will easily hide the scar. Two to three additional small incisions allow for insertion of other delicate surgical instruments, which provide the surgeon with dexterity, precision and control.

Robotic surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery for endometriosis is especially promising for women who would like to have children in the future. Robotic surgery uses state-of-the-art technology that allows the surgeon's hand movements to translate into extremely precise movements within the operative site. The magnified, three-dimensional view and tiny robotic instruments enhance the surgeon's ability to perform complex procedures through small incisions.

We love what we do and it shows

Our women's services change lives every single day. We've seen active lifestyles reborn after gynecologic surgery — and chronic female health conditions treated easily with fast recoveries. We offer the very best in nationally recognized procedures, technology and care teams, ensuring the personalized, exceptional experience you've come to expect from Sharp.

You don't have far to go

We offer minimally invasive surgery close to home at the following Sharp hospitals:

• Sharp Chula Vista Center for Women & Newborns

• Sharp Grossmont Hospital for Women & Newborns

• Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns

Learn more about minimally invasive women's surgery at Sharp

For more information about Sharp's women's surgery services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego OBGYN or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.