In short
Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery that lets a gynaecologist see and remove endometriosis, often in the same operation. It can reduce pain and help some people get pregnant. It’s usually a day or overnight procedure, with recovery over one to two weeks for most, longer after complex surgery. Symptoms can return.
On this page
Why is laparoscopy done?
- To confirm endometriosis when scans are normal but symptoms persist
- To remove endometriosis, ovarian cysts (endometriomas) or scar tissue
- To help with fertility in some situations
- To treat deep endometriosis affecting the bowel, bladder or other organs
Surgery isn’t always the first step. Guidelines now support diagnosing endometriosis with symptoms and imaging, and starting treatment without surgery. See diagnosis.
What happens during laparoscopy?
It’s done under general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen, usually one at the belly button, and inflates the abdomen with gas to see clearly. A camera shows the pelvic organs, and instruments are used to remove (excise) or destroy endometriosis. Tissue is often sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Complex deep endometriosis may need a longer operation, sometimes with a colorectal or urology surgeon.
Pain that stops you living your life isn’t normal.
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Recovery
- Many people go home the same day or the next day
- Shoulder tip pain from the gas is common for a day or two
- Most people return to light activity within a week and normal activity within about two weeks
- Recovery takes longer after extensive or bowel surgery
How well does it work?
Surgery reduces pain for many people, and can improve the chance of natural conception in some situations. But symptoms can return, and some people continue to have pain because of factors such as adenomyosis, pelvic floor muscle tension or a sensitised nervous system. Hormonal treatment after surgery is often recommended to reduce the chance of recurrence if pregnancy isn’t planned.
Risks
Laparoscopy is generally safe. Risks include infection, bleeding, and rarely injury to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels, with higher risk in complex surgery. Your surgeon will explain the risks for your situation.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- How often do you operate on endometriosis, including deep disease?
- Will you remove (excise) the endometriosis or treat it another way?
- What will happen if bowel or bladder involvement is found?
- What do you recommend after surgery to reduce recurrence?
How a GP can help
A GP can arrange imaging, start treatment, and refer you to a gynaecologist with an interest in endometriosis.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al. ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009.
- Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(13):1244-1256.
- Taylor HS, Kotlyar AM, Flores VA. Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease: clinical challenges and novel innovations. Lancet. 2021;397(10276):839-852.
- RANZCOG. Endometriosis Clinical Practice Guideline.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.