likelihood of having a laparotomy to remove endometrioma

[chigirl]

I am a 24 year old woman who is otherwise healthy, but a few weeks ago I went to the ER with severe pain on the first day of my period.  After some pain medication, I felt fine and I have ever since but based on the CT scan I had taken at the hosptial, I was told to follow up with my obgyn.  I had never felt these symptoms before and I have not been diagnosed with endometriosis.  I followed up and after a couple of ultrasounds, it was determined that I have a mass (approximately 2.5 cm squared) on one of my ovaries.  My doctor is pretty sure that it is an endometrioma and will be removing it tomorrow morning (yikes!) via laparoscopy, but he mentioned that there is a possibility that the growth may have to be fully excised via laparotomy, depending on its thickness (whether it's solid or liquid).  Has anyone been through a similar situation and if so, did your doctor tell you how likely it is to have a laparotomy in this situation?  From what I've read, it seems that there is a big difference in the recovery time so it would really put my mind at ease to at least have an idea of the likelihood of either situation occuring.

[chigirl]

Thank you all for responding to my question.  It has been 4 days since the procedure and I am now home resting up.  My doctor was able to remove the endometrioma cyst via laparoscopy, and I should be able to go back to work in a few days.  Now that I have a clear endometriosis diagnosis, the next step is hormone therapy.  I've been doing a little research, but I'm not sure what to expect or what kind of medication I will be prescribed to control the symptoms.  If anyone has any advice, I would definitely appreciate it.  Thank you again to everyone who responded to my questions.  Although every women and every case is different, it's really nice just to know the potential outcomes and expectations with this condition.

[lluu]

Hi,

I am 31 yrs old and had an outpatient surgery on 2/14 via laparoscopy to remove a 5 cm endometriosis. Actually, I had 2 cysts (2 cm & 3 cm) but they merged into 1 cm sometimes b/4 the surgery month. My doctor told me the samething. He ended up to remove my entire right ovary. My recovery time was around 3-4 days. I didn't take any pain medication at home but had a lot of clear muscus. I did have 3-4 days bleeding. I had a c-section before and compare this surgery with c-section, it is 2 compared to 10. It is much easier...So don't worry. your cyst is small.

[RavenLady]

Libby speaks the truth!  All our Doctors advise those with laproscopy scheduled that it may turn into a laporotomy, it usually does not especially with a small cyst like yours.  I have heard of huge cysts removed via laproscopy!  But, as Libby said, every situaltion is different and although a laporotomy is a remote possibility in your case, your age is in your favor should the more invasive incision is needed.  I have had three lapaotomies, the first at 11 for a urital issue, the second for an ectopic pregnancy and the third for removal of my left ovary along with two benign cysts that could have come out with a much simpler lap but the last surgeon noted in my dang records that I had lots of scar tissue.  Guess what, I didn't but oh well.  Hang in there and we will talk to you on the RS (Recovery Side)!  MV

[libbyisi]

Hi -

I am also 24, active and healthy, and I had a laparotomy at the beginning of January to remove a cyst, which I found out was endometriosis after surgery.  While mine was much larger than yours (softball-sized) I went into surgery expecting to have a laparoscopy and ended up with a laparotomy because the oncologist was afraid of having the cyst burst in my abdomen.  
I know our situations are different, and I can't really comment on your specific situation, I'm writing to let you know that my recovery time was shorter than I expected (although it certainly varies from person to person).  I spent one night in the hospital and after that felt almost myself around week 3.5.  The docs said it would probably take me 4-6 weeks to feel a-ok.  
Whatever happens remember that you will feel so much better after recovering - there is a light at the end of the tunnel!  

BEST OF LUCK TOMORROW!!
Libby