You are wise to question the need for open surgery (laparotomy) to remove endo implants. There are a handful of endo specialists around the country. These are doctors that treat endo exclusively, they do not deliver babies. NONE of these doctors do these surgeries through open laparotomy as a rule, they all perform surgery through laparoscopy, even the most severe cases can be done through lap surgery. Laparotomy is easier on the doctor not the patient and is not necessary in the vast majority of cases.
Perhaps you could consider a records review with one of the well known endo specialists to get a second opinion on your case, many of them provide this service at no charge.
I'm happy to try and answer further questions if you think of anything.
Best of luck to you...I know this is not an easy road to travel.
-- DebbieAt Mon, 5 May 2008, Jael wrote: > >Hiya, > >My name is Jael, I'm 23, married 2 yrs., and was recently diagnosed with >stage IV endometriosis. I already had a laparoscopy to offically >diagnosis endometriosis, and now my doctor wants to do a laparotomy in >order to excise the implants. > >I don't know if this is being "unrealistic," but... I don't want a >laparotomy. I think my doctor is very smart guy: he's an RE in my area, >specializing in endometriosis. BUT I feel a laparotomy is too risky. >I'm very scared about adhesions. I read that 93% of laparotomys end up >with serious surgical adhesions. > >I don't have plans for kids now, but I do want some youngsters in the >future. Endometriosis runs in my family, stage II to IV endometriosis. >However, none of my family members have had fertility problems from >endometriosis, my great aunt even had twins without the help of an RE. >The only reason I'm seeing an RE right now it that I want the >endometriosis removed without damaging my reproductive organs (which >were all working fine and dandy according to my laparoscopy, so yah!!). > >Has anyone has a laparotomy for endometriosis? I just don't know... my >husband is no help. He just says, "Do what the doctor says, sweetie. >He's the expert." Endometriosis isn't good for me, but neither is a >pelvic full of surgical adhesions. > >Any advice or words of wisdom are welcome. Please. >