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Midwest Reproductive Center

Endometriosis Surgery

Your Expected Outcome with Endometriosis Surgery

You might suspect endometriosis when you encounter symptoms such as a painful and irregular period, but will not know for sure without fertility surgery. Dr. Dan Gehlbach routinely performs surgery for endometriosis to rule it out as a cause for female infertility.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) migrates and grows outside the uterus. These growths, or implants, can be found in or on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowels, bladder or pelvic region.

Many women have no symptoms, but others experience:

  • Painful periods, and periods with a heavy flow (cramping & lower back pain)
  • Pain during or after intercourse
  • Pain while urinating or during a bowel movement
  • Recurring bloating, nausea or diarrhea

Dr. Gehlbach may recommend fertility surgery to diagnose and treat endometriosis, and will explain the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery, to correct the syndrome.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Endometriosis

This commonly used technique saves the patient from having a large abdominal incision, but provides all of the diagnostic benefits. Dr. Gehlbach, an experienced reproductive surgeon, prefers a laparoscopic approach for treating mild to moderate endometriosis.

Day surgery for endometriosis involves general anesthesia.

1) Dr. Gehlbach will make 2-3 small incisions in the abdomen and pelvic area, and employ a lighted surgical tool called a laparoscope, as well as other small instruments. The belly is inflated with medical grade CO2 gas to give your fertility specialist a better view of the pelvic region.

2) Dr. Gehlbach will remove obvious endometrial implants and/or scar tissue using a cutting or laser tool.

3) With laparoscopic surgery, you can expect to return to work within a day or two, and full activities within a week or so. Scarring is minimal, and the procedure only requires a few stitches.

Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery for Endometriosis

Similar to laparoscopic surgery, this relatively new technique provides a surgeon with a robotic arm, and magnified view. Dr. Gehlbach is fully trained and certified on the da Vinci Robot Surgical System, and can explain how computer-aided surgery is quite different than surgery performed by a robot.

Determining the Need for Endometriosis Surgery

If in-office sonography indicates endometriosis, you have unexplained infertility, or symptoms of endometriosis, you will likely benefit from fertility surgery. Dr. Gehlbach has operative rights at North Kansas City Hospital, and more than two decades of experience performing reproductive surgeries.

Your post-operative report will grade endometriosis as mild, moderate or severe. Laparoscopic surgery allows for diagnosis and treatment during one procedure. The findings might lead Dr. Gehlbach to recommend IUI with fertility medications, or a cycle of in vitro fertilization.

Research shows that treating moderate to severe endometriosis will improve your chances for getting pregnant. Contact Midwest Reproductive Center to find out if you are a candidate for endometriosis surgery.