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Post by ouchy on Aug 10, 2006 20:57:12 GMT -5
This is an AWESOME article of exactly what a laparoscopy is, the tools with which the procedure is performed, what can happen during a laparoscopy (injuries), etc. It's a GREAT resource! www.isge.org/nshoww.php?pid=63Also, to those who are confused between a laparoscopy and a laparotomy:Laparoscopy involves a thin lit telescope being inserted through small abdominal incisions for the purpose of removing excess endometrial tissue. This tissue is either trimmed (excised), burned away (cauterized) or lasered. A three-to-ten day recovery period is required. Side effects are minor, since this minimally invasive surgery results in less bleeding, scarring and postoperative pain compared to other surgeries. This procedure preserves a woman’s ability to bear children. Laparotomy is considered invasive surgery, since a 5-6 inch abdominal incision is needed to remove large areas of endometrial tissue which cannot be accessed via a laparoscope. A three-to-five week recovery period may be required. A laparotomy will not interfere with a woman’s plans to have children. (Info taken from above link)
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Post by Hillary on Aug 10, 2006 22:24:26 GMT -5
Ouchy what a great link!!! Where dooo yoouu find all these great sites!?!?!? I don't have time tonight to read it but I can't wait to read it tommorrow. Thank you!
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Post by ouchy on Aug 10, 2006 23:19:09 GMT -5
Hi, Hillary! I just came across this site while researching something else related to a laparoscopy.
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Post by erzulie on Aug 11, 2006 9:34:23 GMT -5
Of course, those terms are being defined here as they refer to surgery for endometriosis. Laparoscopies and laparotomies are both performed for other purposes as well. Just thought I'd mention that in case anyone was confused.
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Post by ouchy on Aug 11, 2006 10:41:40 GMT -5
Definitely. The same procedures can be used to remove an appendix, gall bladder, exploratory surgery, etc.
The article I posted, however, is focused on the role of laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery.
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Post by erzulie on Aug 11, 2006 16:27:08 GMT -5
Here are some statistics I found on laparoscopy vs. laparotomy. Not much difference:
39% of women who have had a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis say the surgery partly helped 27% say the surgery was successful 10% say it made no difference 8% say it caused additional problems
33% of women who had a laparotomy instead say the surgery partly helped 30% say it was successful 14% say it caused additional problems 9% say it made no difference
Taken from Endometriosis: The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health by Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association
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Post by ouchy on Apr 22, 2007 21:49:55 GMT -5
Posted by guest user alisonbrit in another thread ___________________________________________ aliHi there,
I'm quite new to this site. I had a laparotomy 15 years ago and a hyst 8 years ago. They left an ovary in.
I've had gradually worsening pain in my back for the last couple of years. When I had my hyst there was little explanation and I thought my problems were solved. The pain in my abdomen and kidney area especially is now constant.
The doctors sent me to a gastro bod who has diagnosed Chronic fatigue syndrome but the pain is so bad and usually in the same areas. I cannot stand on the spot for more than 15 minutes. It is like something is swelling up inside and is aggravated with movement.
The top of my rib cage also swells up and I get burning and prickling now around my ribs.
My stomach is constantly swollen. The good new is I'm having a lap although its a few months off.
I am fairly confident it's endo although the docs all say is is not.
What I'd really like to know is can they see the kidney and back area when they do a lap? I'd hate for any endo to be missed.
Many thanks
alison
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Post by alisonbrit on Apr 23, 2007 17:21:51 GMT -5
Thank you for that ouchy,
very informative. Doesn't look like the surgeon will look at the spine area as a matter of course. Think I might have to request this when I see him this week before my lap in June.
Many thanks
alison
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Post by ouchy on Apr 23, 2007 17:25:01 GMT -5
keep us posted. this is very interesting.
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Post by Alisonbrit on Apr 26, 2007 18:07:50 GMT -5
Hi again,
Saw my gyno today. It was reassuring. After the gastro guy had said that my symptoms were definitely not endo and that fatigue is not caused by endo (he diagnosed CFS and refused to consider a recurrance of endo).
My gyno was more open minded. He has booked a lap which is the end of June. In the meantime he's suggested I go on Zolafed or something like that.
I asked whether the lap would look at the back as I have constant pain in the lower back which has now moved up the spine. He said they probably would not be able to see the spine but they do look at all organs from the liver down so I'm hoping the back pain is something leaning on the back which he is likely to find.
Sometimes I get so confused with my symptoms. You tend to live with so many for so long you forget what is normal and what isn't. When the docs are so submissive you find yourself asking - is it really that bad and then you say - damn it yes I'm in pain everyday and can't do what others do.
I then realised that I'd ignored a lot of pain for at least the last three years (8 years since my hyst due to endo).
I pray that they find it when they do the lap - its such a funny thing most sufferers pray they don't find anything and yet most people with endo want something found so others know they are not imaging their pain.
sorry I'm rambling - needed to let of steam.
cheers
Alison
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Post by alisonbrit on Apr 26, 2007 18:16:03 GMT -5
sorry I meant docs are dismissive not submissive (if only they were) Alison
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Post by ouchy on Apr 26, 2007 18:33:02 GMT -5
Awesome! Thanks for posting! It's nice to know that they look at everything from the liver down! Good luck w/ everything!
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