what is butterfly peritoneal excision

[Silverwombat]

I had a diagnostic laparoscopy 2 weeks ago, she found that I have deep tissue endo that has pulled my uterus back and affected my uterosacrals. My ureter is deviated, ovaries, fallopian tubes, retroverted uterus and bowels involved. On my notes it said that they decided not to ablate the endo because it needs "butterfly peritoneal excision plus bilateral ureterolysis + stent. GnRH therapy to be discussed.

I understand most of what it says but I don't know what the last bit is, the next step. Can anyone enlighten me?

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Silverwombat

Thanks for your post, I hope you're recovering well from surgery? Sorry to hear you've received a diagnosis of endo. It can feel really overwhelming, but support is here. It sounds like it was pretty complex surgery as endo often is. Sending healing vibes your way 💛

In terms of the next steps, it's probably best to speak to the medical secretary, or ward nurse or your GP for confirmation. My interpretation is that the endometriosis needs to be excised rather than ablated (excision is a better long term treatment so that is good!). The "butterfly peritoneal" excision refers to an area within the pelvis which is shaped like a butterfly, which suggests that is the area that they'd need to remove endo from. Ureterolysis is the freeing up of the ureters (the tubes between the kidney and the bladder) which are stuck due to endo (I have had this myself). Bilateral meaning both sides, plus a stent, unsure as to what that entails. GnHR therapies are types of hormonal treatments. You can read a little about them in this resource on the Endometriosis UK's website: endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...

It can be the case that during a diagnostic surgery, the surgeon is not prepared to treat the full extent of the endometriosis found as it requires treatment from a specialist endometriosis surgeon. It sounds like this might be where you are. I'd encourage you to keep in touch with the medical team to ensure you're under the best care available to you.

Some people find it helpful to connect with others who have endo in their area, and Endometriosis UK has support groups across the country run by volunteers. You can read more about them here, if it interests you: endometriosis-uk.org/find-a...

Feel free to get in touch if you'd like further advice 😊

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Take care,

Claudia

[Silverwombat in reply to claudia_91]

Thanks Claudia, its all new to me! I am still waiting for the follow up appointment with the consultant. I have googled the peritoneal butterfly surgery and it gives me everything but endo 🤦‍♀️ I didn't get to see my surgeon following my surgery so I have so many questions!! I vaguely remember hysterectomy being mentioned when I was in recovery but I may have dreamed it! 🥴

I get married in October this year so I have been fretting a little bit!

🥺 xx