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How is endometriosis diagnosed?
The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through a procedure called a laparoscopy.
Usually done under general anaesthetic, a small telescope with a light on the end (the laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis through the navel (belly button). The laparoscope usually has a camera to transmit the images to a video monitor, which the surgeon uses to look inside the body. Carbon dioxide gas is used to extend the abdomen to give the surgeon room to see the organs. The surgeon can move the laparoscope around the abdomen to look for endometriosis. They may make another small cut to insert surgical instruments to treat the endometriosis or they might remove part of it to be examined at a later stage, this is known as a biopsy. After the procedure, the gas is removed.
Laparoscopy is usually done as a day procedure. You can agree with your surgeon beforehand whether you would like them to treat any endometriosis they find. This could mean that you may have to stay longer in hospital. It is important to discuss any concerns about a procedure with your doctor, make sure that you understand what is involved, and that you have consented to the treatment. A laparoscopy is a routine procedure but there are risks involved in any procedure with a general anaesthetic. The reported risks with a laparoscopy are accidental damage to organs and blood vessels and complications that require the surgeon to progress to a laparotomy.
Occasionally, diagnosis is made during a laparotomy. A laparotomy is a major operation which involves a cut into the abdomen. Laparotomy carries different risks and has a longer recovery time.
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