A surgical method performed through small incisions in the abdomen with the aid of a camera, allowing diagnosis and treatment to be done in the same session.
Laparoscopic Surgery About 45 minutes
Laparoscopic Endometriosis (Chocolate Cyst) Surgery
Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis presenting with severe menstrual pain and chocolate cysts.
About Laparoscopic Endometriosis (Chocolate Cyst) Surgery
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus, causing severe menstrual pain, pain during intercourse, and difficulty conceiving. The form that develops in the ovary is commonly known as a chocolate cyst. Treatment may begin with pain management medications; if symptoms persist, the cyst is large, or there is a desire for pregnancy, laparoscopic surgery is considered. During surgery, the lesions are removed, and the cyst is excised while attempting to preserve ovarian tissue. Endometriosis can recur; therefore, a follow-up and, if necessary, a medication plan are established after surgery.
What is Endometriosis (Chocolate Cyst)?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus develops outside the uterus. This tissue behaves like normal uterine tissue during the menstrual period: it breaks down and bleeds at the end of the cycle. However, there is no way for this blood to exit the body. As a result, the surrounding areas may become inflamed or swollen, and over time scar tissue and lesions can form.
Why Do Chocolate Cysts Form?
The exact cause of chocolate cyst development is not fully known. It is accepted that genetic predisposition may play a role. Additionally, factors such as hormonal imbalances, use of hormone-containing medications, and advancing age can also contribute to the development of endometriosis and related chocolate cysts.
What Are the Types?
Three main types are defined based on where the tissue is located:
- Superficial peritoneal lesion: the most common type.
- Endometrioma: a lesion located on the ovary, also called a chocolate cyst.
- Deep infiltrating endometriosis: develops beneath the peritoneal layer.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most frequently reported are:
- Back and lower back pain during menstruation,
- Pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation,
- Unusual or heavy bleeding during menstruation,
- Blood in stool or urine.
Since these symptoms can also arise from other causes, diagnosis should be made together with physical examination and imaging findings.
How is Laparoscopic (Closed) Surgery Performed?
When surgery is necessary, the laparoscopic method, or closed surgery, may be preferred. A roughly one-centimeter incision is made at the navel, and an instrument with a camera and light source at its tip is inserted, projecting the inside of the abdomen onto a screen. Surgical instruments are inserted through two or three half-centimeter incisions made on the sides of the abdomen. To allow clear visualization of all structures, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas; since this gas is non-flammable, instruments that use heat and electrical energy can be safely operated.
Compared to open surgery, the laparoscopic approach offers benefits to the patient such as shorter hospital stay, smaller incisions and less scarring, less blood loss during surgery, less postoperative pain, and quicker return to daily life. The decision for surgery is made by evaluating the lesion's location, severity of symptoms, and pregnancy plans together.
Postoperative Process and Follow-up
After closed surgery, hospital stay is usually short and return to daily life is faster compared to open surgery. However, recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure performed and the individual's general condition. Since endometriosis is related to the menstrual cycle, follow-up may be necessary after surgery; the course of pain, menstrual regularity, and pregnancy plans are reviewed together during check-ups. It is recommended that individuals experiencing severe menstrual pain, pain during intercourse, or difficulty conceiving do not delay evaluation.
The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a medical examination. Please be sure to consult a doctor for your complaints.
How It Works
The Process
The steps below describe how things generally work at the clinic. Which tests are needed and how the plan is set varies from person to person.
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Step 1
Initial consultation and assessment
We review your complaints, medical history and any previous tests together. The examination is planned after this conversation.
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Step 2
Necessary tests
If an ultrasound, lab work or other examination is needed, we clearly explain which one and why.
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Step 3
Personalized plan
Findings are interpreted together; options, expected duration and any alternatives are shared with you. The decision is made jointly.
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Step 4
Follow-up
A check-up is scheduled to see how things are progressing. If you have questions in between, you can reach the clinic.
Laparoscopic Surgery
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Your Doctor
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce has been practicing medicine since 2013 and has specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2022. He bases his practice on current scientific guidelines in areas ranging from pregnancy follow-up to gynecological surgery, tailoring the treatment plan according to each patient's individual history. He sees his patients at his clinic in Yakuplu, Beylikdüzü, and makes a point of explaining every step of the process in clear, understandable language.
Book Laparoscopic Endometriosis (Chocolate Cyst) Surgery
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The information on this page is for general purposes; it does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment and does not promise any outcome. Whether it applies to you is assessed together with your history and examination findings. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever or fainting, go to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.