The definitive treatment of endometriosis is removing the growths surgically via laparoscopy or laparotomy (there is no difference in effectiveness between the two types of surgery). There is also a surgery that interrupts the neural pathways for the conduction of pain, known as ablation, or resection, of the uterosacral nerve. This can, however, interfere with other sensations in the pelvic area; it’s imperative that you discuss all the risks of this procedure before you consent.
Conservative surgery involves removing the growths themselves, rather than any reproductive organs. Through a laparoscope, surgery is done with a laser, a cautery, or small surgical instruments. Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice for women under thirty-five who are diagnosed with endometriosis in the early stages and who want to have children. About 40 percent of these women will go on to conceive. After conservative surgery, between 20 and 50 percent of endometriosis patients will need more radical surgery.
No one should be recommending hysterectomy for endometriosis in this day and age. If your doctor recommends this procedure, find another doctor. Recommending hysterectomy is a sign that the doctor’s stuck in the 1980s.
