I've had Endometriosis excision surgery but I am still in pain...

Unfortunately your initial diagnosis excision surgery is more than likely not going to be your last surgery, which although is the worst news to hear but it is the sad reality of this disease. It is one of the main drivers in why The Endo Essentials family is so passionate about raising awareness for Endometriosis and a cure.

Understanding Endometriosis excision surgery and the need for repeated surgeries

Endometriosis excision surgery involves the removal of Endometriosis lesions. While this surgery can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for many, it’s not always a permanent solution. Here’s why you might still be in pain post-surgery, how often you might need additional surgeries and why repeated excision might be necessary.

1. Persistence of symptoms

• Incomplete removal: It’s possible that not all Endometriosis tissue was removed during the first surgery. Endometriosis lesions can be microscopic and spread across various organs, making complete removal challenging.
• Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE): In cases of DIE, endometrial tissue penetrates deeply into organs and tissues, which might require multiple surgeries for complete excision.

2. Recurrence of Endometriosis

• Regrowth: Endometriosis tissue can regrow after excision. Studies suggest that recurrence rates can be significant, with some reporting recurrence within a few years post-surgery.
• Hormonal influence: Endometriosis is influenced by hormonal changes and without long-term management, symptoms can re-emerge at any time and in any place on the body.

3. Scar tissue and adhesions

• Adhesions: Surgery can lead to the formation of scar tissue or adhesions, which can cause pain similar to Endometriosis. These adhesions might necessitate further surgical intervention.
• Chronic pain: Even with successful excision, some patients experience chronic pain due to nerve involvement or other complications.

How often will I need surgery?

The frequency of surgery varies based on individual cases and the severity of Endometriosis. Factors influencing the need for additional surgeries include:

• Severity of disease: Advanced stages of Endometriosis (Stage 3 or 4) might require more frequent surgical interventions.
• Response to treatment: Some patients respond well to surgery and medical management, while others may experience persistent or recurrent symptoms.
• Comorbid conditions: Conditions like Adenomyosis, fibroids, or other pelvic issues can necessitate additional surgeries.

Why repeated excision is necessary

1. Complete removal of lesions

• Precision: Each surgery aims to remove as much Endometriosis tissue as possible, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Expertise required: Endometriosis excision is a complex procedure that often requires a skilled Endometriosis Specialist to ensure thorough removal of lesions.

2. Management of recurrence

• Preventative measures: Repeated surgeries can help manage recurring symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease.
• Symptom relief: Excision is currently one of the most effective methods for providing long-term relief from Endometriosis-related pain.

3. Addressing complications

• Adhesions and scar tissue: Surgery might be necessary to remove or reduce adhesions that cause pain and complications.
• Bowel and bladder involvement: If Endometriosis affects these organs, additional surgeries may be required to manage symptoms and improve function.

If you are still experiencing pain after Endometriosis excision surgery, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess the reasons behind the persistent pain and discuss the potential need for further surgical intervention.

While repeated surgeries might be necessary for managing Endometriosis, a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical management, lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies can also play a crucial role in improving your quality of life and managing symptoms effectively.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.