Hiya, how many incisions does the surgeon make by keyhole when removing endometriosis and also ovarian cysts? I already have two.

[Elenna]

Also if he has to remove ovarian cysts will he do it by keyhole? He said there's a possibility for lapratomy.

[Impatient]

Usually between 3 and 5 depending on what tools are needed and what angle they need to work at.

Most of the time cysts can be drained and removed by keyhole but if there are any complications in where the cyst is located you my need a laparotomy.

I went in for a regular lap to remove cysts and woke up with a catheter, 2 lap holes and a whopper laparotomy along the bikini line. So I knew before he came to see me after the op that things had gone a bit pear shaped without me knowing about it.

if a cyst is stuck down the POD (Pouch of Douglas) or is wrapped round an ovary that you want saving then you are more likely to need big hole to really do a good job of getting the cysts out.

Most of the time surgeons won't know till they get inside you with the lap and see what's what, then decide if they need more room to work by opening you up.

Recovery from the surgery was 4-5 months for the laparotomy to be free from post op pain and able to lift up children for example, without suddendly dropping them because it hurt too much.

The lap op holes recover much quicker - especilly if the have not been used much. couple of weeks for them to be healed up and pain free.

[Hidden]

I just had a lap done in January. They removed my ovary and fallopian tube. I only had 3 cuts.

[Bez76]

I have had two ops. Both times just three. Belly button and two more, one at each side of tummy. I had the same gynaecologist and he just went in again at the same place he went the first time to prevent me having lots of scars. xx

[Bikerchick_ER6]

I had my first laparoscopy yesterday and I had 4 incisions. One in my belly button, one on the right and one one the left and a larger (about 2 inches in length) one on the left had side lower down. Although I didn't end up losing either ovary or my Fallopian tubes (as we expected I would) I did have large cysts removed from either ovary - right hand side was just over 9cm in diameter and on the left hand side there where half a dozen, the larger being 6cm in diameter. We did expect that the operation would be done by open surgery in the end, so to wake up and find out that it wasn't and that I still have all my bits and bobs was a huge relief

I guess it all depends where your cysts are and his accessible they are. I was mortified when I found out the size of mine, but my consultant told me the bigger the better, although I'm not sure why!! Good luck with it all anyway

[Lilly83]

I think it depends on your surgeon, I had a 6 hour lap to remove extensive stage 4, I had total excision, tube out, 15cm cysts, endo in bladder, bowel, pod and ureters blocked, oh and everything stuck together, I'm aware most would of written me off as needing a hysterectomy but mine operated and removed every last bit via lap

Good luck! X