why 2 laps?

[Elizabethsingler]

Why would my dr do a laparoscopy to diagnose and then another to do a hysterectomy or clean up?

I've had 6 children. I just want him to remove everything if possible. He knows that....Why make me wait?

[Catness]

I had this too (not a hysterectomy but one lap to ‘map out’ what’s going on and not doing anything, and another to actually cut it out).

My only thought on it is that perhaps it’s because your surgeon/ consultant as yet doesn’t know how big of a job it is or how it will need to be treated/ if they have the expertise to treat it. Therefore they can’t just operate and treat it as this will take up other people’s time on the surgery list.

That’s my guess anyway... could be wrong!

[Hidden]

Sometimes when they do the laparoscopy they may find endometriosis that would be too difficult and dangerous for them to remove alone, for example an ovary being connected to the bowel with endo tissue, this would need different doctors or specialists in the surgery working together. I’m sure if your dr had of been able to he would of removed, but unfortunately this happens. It was the same for me also x

[Marmite83]

I'd imagine it's to do with operating times and ensuring the correct people are present at your surgery. If you suspect that a hysterectomy may be required I'd imagine that's quite a different surgery to excision of lesions and cysts for example. Having said that, I had a consultant who wanted to do a diagnostic lap and then a second lap to excise any endometriosis found. I wasn't happy (for more reasons than that he wanted to do two laps) so asked for a second opinion and the second consultant did it all in one lap. I was aware that if there were additional bowel issues etc that a second surgery may be required. If in doubt, ask the question and if you still aren't happy ask for a second opinion.

[Elizabethsingler in reply to Marmite83]

This is a good idea. I have a preop appt next Thursday for the first lap. I’ll really push I think.

[GrittyReads]

Partial or incorrect removal of endo tissue at a first lap, if done by a general gynae (who are usually the ones doing the exploratory laps) is one of the main causes of continuing or even exacerbated Endo pain and problems in women.

A first lap really should be just exploratory and about checking for endo in dangerous places that will need specialised (eg bowel) surgeons on hand - usually done in GB in Specialists Endo BSGE Centres. Many general gynaes cannot even recognise some of the more difficult - and harder to remove - types of endo tissue (there are different types, as well as some being in very dodgy areas).

I really wish that the gynae I saw in, about 2008, had not done a partial removal, as within 6 months I was in far, far more agony than I had been before. And, reading all the letters on here over several years, it is this scenario, of less-than-perfect, first time removal in laps, which is often responsible for subsequent 'more and worse' pain, for many women.

My understanding is that your gynae is following proper procedure, so that - if necessary - you can then be referred to the appropriate (eg BSGE) centre or surgeons.

Hope this helps.

[Elizabethsingler in reply to GrittyReads]

That makes total sense