Endometriosis Surgery Singapore: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it. This tissue can attach to your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of your pelvis and cause pain, heavy periods, fertility issues or discomfort during sex.
Endometriosis surgery offers a way to remove or destroy these growths. If you have moderate to severe pain that does not improve with medicines, your women’s health specialist might recommend endometriosis surgery.
Singapore specialists perform these procedures on a regular basis so you can trust them for the best care. If you struggle to conceive due to scar tissue from endometriosis, surgery can also help.
The procedure can particularly be helpful if you have large cysts on your ovaries or deep lesions which affect organs nearby. Surgery can bring relief and improve your quality of life but it is not the first step for everyone.
Mild cases often start with pain relief tablets or hormone therapy. But when these fail or if you have complex disease, endometriosis surgery may be considered.
What are the Types of Endometriosis Surgery?
Endometriosis surgery ranges from keyhole procedures to more extensive operations. While all surgery carries risks, many types are now less invasive than in the past. Here are some of the most common endometriosis surgery procedures:
- Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery): For this surgery, your surgeon will make three to four small cuts in your tummy and then insert a camera and fine tools to find and remove endometriosis tissue. The cuts are small, so recovery tends to be quicker. Most women go home the same day or after one night in hospital.
- Laparotomy (open surgery): This involves a larger cut across your lower abdomen. It gives surgeons better access to deep or widespread disease. Recovery takes longer, often three to five days in hospital. You may need four to six weeks before you feel back to normal.
- Hysterectomy: In severe cases, your womb—and sometimes ovaries—may be removed. This ends menstruation and prevents new growths. It’s a major surgery with a hospital stay of two to four days. Recovery can take six to eight weeks.
- Conservative debulking: Here, surgeons focus on removing as much endometriosis tissue as possible while keeping organs intact. It may combine laparoscopy with careful removal of lesions near the bowel or bladder. Recovery time depends on how extensive the surgery is.
What Happens Before Endometriosis Surgery?
Preparing for endometriosis surgery is simple but in a good clinic, you will still be guided through the steps. Now, before your endometriosis surgery in Singapore, you will meet your gynaecologist to discuss symptoms and treatment options.
Expect a pelvic exam and a review of your medical history. You may need blood tests, ultrasound scans or an MRI to map the extent of disease.
After this, a nurse or counsellor will explain the risks and benefits of your chosen procedure. You can ask about pain management, expected recovery times and any impact on fertility.
You’ll be told when to stop eating and drinking—usually from midnight before surgery. Your doctor will check all medications you take, including over-the-counter painkillers because some medicines can increase bleeding or interfere with anaesthesia.
On the morning of your procedure, arrive at the hospital or clinic at the scheduled time, and bring your ID, insurance details and any necessary paperwork. Wear loose, comfortable clothes and leave valuables at home.
A nurse will prep you for surgery, including fitting a hospital gown and inserting an IV line. Just before surgery, your surgeon and anaesthetist will confirm your identity, the procedure and any allergies. The anaesthesia team may use a general anaesthetic so you sleep through the procedure.
What Happens During Endometriosis Surgery?
The surgeon will only begin your endometriosis surgery in Singapore once the anaesthesia has taken effect. You’ll lie flat on the operating table and the anaesthetist will ensure you are fully asleep and pain-free.
They will also be on hand to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen throughout the surgery. Now, for laparoscopy, the surgeon will inflate your abdomen with gas to create space.
They will then insert a thin camera (laparoscope) through one small cut and use two or three more cuts for surgical tools. The camera sends images to a screen so the surgeon can locate endometriosis patches.
To remove the lesions, the surgeon either cuts away or vaporises the abnormal tissue while preserving normal organs. If needed, they may remove nearby scar tissue to free trapped organs or fallopian tubes.
If endometriosis affects your bowel, bladder or ureter, the surgeon may repair these areas. This can require sutures or small resections and rejoinings.
When the surgery is completed, the gas is released from your abdomen and the surgeon closes each small cut with dissolvable stitches or surgical glue. The team applies dressings and moves you gently to a recovery area. The entire procedure usually takes 60 to 120 minutes, depending on disease extent.
What Happens after Endometriosis Surgery?
Your recovery starts the moment you wake up. You may feel drowsy, nauseous or chilly but this is normal as the anaesthetic wears off.
The team will give you pain relief and anti-sickness medicines as needed. Within the first 24 hours, most women can drink clear fluids and eat light meals.
You may sit up and walk a little to lower the risk of blood clots and speed healing. If you had laparoscopy, you often go home the next day.
For open surgery or hysterectomy, expect a 2–4 day hospital stay. During the first week at home, rest is key.
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sex. You may feel tired, bloated or have mild cramps.
Take your pain pills on schedule and keep your wound clean and dry. Showering is usually fine, but check with your doctor about baths.
After about 2 to 4 weeks, you can slowly return to light activities like walking or desk work. Your scars should start healing and pain lessen.
After 1 to 3 months, you can gradually resume exercise if your wound is fully closed. By six to eight weeks, most women feel ready for normal levels of activity.
Period pain may improve, though some discomfort can persist. Keep using heat packs and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Endometriosis can recur so, maintain regular check-ups to catch any new lesions early. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or lifestyle changes to lower this risk.
Take Away
Endometriosis surgery Singapore can ease pain and improve fertility when other treatments fail. Just be keen to find a knowledgeable surgeon and follow all the pre and post treatment guidelines they give.
We offer comprehensive endometriosis assessment and advanced surgical options. Contact us to get clear guidance before surgery and full support during recovery.
Dr Ma Li Clinic For Women & Advanced Pelvic Surgery – Gynaecologist | Endometriosis Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #09-08 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
https://drmaliclinic.com/
Phone: +65 6022 0933
