Endometriosis Support Group
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.
I had an appointment with my RE today to discuss my upcoming surgery, and before I left I said, "Alright. Laser versus excision. Go."
He laughed and then said that people have very strong opinions on the matter (to which I laughingly agreed), and then said that he uses both and would never limit himself to one or the other. In his opinion, certain types of implants warrant certain types of treatments. He said that he doesn't like it when he hears people say that the laser "failed" and that what really happened was that the implant wasn't fully obliterated and the laser was the instrument being used at the time. His opinion is that most inexperienced surgeons don't go deep enough with the laser and that probably accounts for the lasers "failing" a lot of the time.
He said he's a lot more aggressive with the laser than most surgeons and will target areas that he thinks are likely to have microscopic implants, which may also help his case. He did say, however, that for the very deep, infiltrating nodules, he will always use excision.
Just thought I'd throw it out there if anyone was interested!
He laughed and then said that people have very strong opinions on the matter (to which I laughingly agreed), and then said that he uses both and would never limit himself to one or the other. In his opinion, certain types of implants warrant certain types of treatments. He said that he doesn't like it when he hears people say that the laser "failed" and that what really happened was that the implant wasn't fully obliterated and the laser was the instrument being used at the time. His opinion is that most inexperienced surgeons don't go deep enough with the laser and that probably accounts for the lasers "failing" a lot of the time.
He said he's a lot more aggressive with the laser than most surgeons and will target areas that he thinks are likely to have microscopic implants, which may also help his case. He did say, however, that for the very deep, infiltrating nodules, he will always use excision.
Just thought I'd throw it out there if anyone was interested!
For you, this is a very good thing cause it really sounds like he knows what he's talking about and will give you a very good surgery! :-)
Thanks for the info, i find it very interesting!
sorry, i kinda ranted and rambled a bit...but its just so wrong for doctors to prey on innocent women that are new to endo.
anyways......back to your post... i like the way your current doctor thinks!!!! he seems really knowledgeable and up to date with the current info out there concerning endo....as you said he mentioned "certain types of endo warrant certain types of treatments." That statement alone leads me to believe that he is "staying in the loop." i have to go see my current gyno soon because i need another lap for scar tissue/endo...and will have to ask him where he stands on laser versus excision. i pray that he is as up to date as your doctor.
so, i totally agree with yankees on this one....sounds like your in very good hands. hope all goes well and i please keep us updated. hugs~jenny
With the excision I had a little time which was better than nothing, and my fevers stopped for a year or 2 with my period. but that was 4 plus years ago so im due for another "clean up". The excision surgeon I had was very good, all the Dr's that saw the pics said he did an amazing job. I would never have a laser surgery again...BUT...if i went in for an excision and they used laser for the superficial endo, whatever works!
I dont think most (and i mean 99.999999%) of OB/GYN's know how to use laser as efficiently as your RE so I think thats one of the reasons laser gets a really bad name. Most of them just burn off the top and the "root" of endo is left (in terms of deep inplants), so thats useless and harmful then. Its like Thanks! You've just put scar tissue on top of my endo!
Someone's gotta get it right! But I think your Dr has a great plan and I love that he has common sense! You cant beat that! More Dr's need to use common sense!! It sounds like he has a comprehensive surgical plan, and I love that.
Did your RE say he could use laser to remove the endo from areas like your intestines, bowel, bladder? I was under the impression the laser wasnt precise enough or whatever the case is, to touch these very sensitive and very dangerous area if punctured.
Did you schedule surgery?