How to Prepare: Robotic Excision Surgery for Endometriosis

You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, and your robotic excision surgery has been scheduled. It’s typical to be a bit anxious, whether this is your first surgery or your fiftieth. So what can you do to calm your nerves and get ready for the big day?

First of all, know that this will be worth it in the long run. Your surgeons and PAs have trained extensively on the latest treatments to bring you back to a pain-free life and listen to your concerns. Your doctor and the medical team will be more than happy not only to answer your questions but to walk you through the surgery itself during your pre-operative visit.

How else can you prepare for your endometriosis excision surgery? Read on for a few helpful tips and tricks to supplement your care instructions.

How to Prepare for Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

Our first suggestion is to make a few lists. Lists are a great way to keep track of everything you need before and after your surgery, so nothing gets left out to make you as comfortable and safe as possible. Here are some ideas of what to make lists for:

• Groceries for the week of your surgery
• Drug store items, such as medications and toiletries
• What you will take with you to the hospital
• Comfort items for when you get home
• Pre- and post-surgery instructions from your doctor

Read your pre- and post-operative instructions thoroughly and early so you can properly prepare for a safe and effective surgery. Often, you will be required to stop medications like vitamins and herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, and blood thinners up to 10 days prior to surgery. If you do not follow the instructions exactly, your surgery may be cancelled.

Suggestions for Your Endometriosis Excision Surgery Shopping List

If possible, plan to have a friend or family member stay with you for a few days to help out with cooking and cleaning. If that isn’t possible, be sure to include easy, bland foods you can prepare ahead of time or quickly. Here are a few things to consider for your list:

• Heating pad, cold packs 
• Pads, panty liners 
• Lots of fluids (Gatorade, ginger ale, etc.),
• Ginger tea, ginger chews, crackers, and other soothing snacks in case you experience nausea
• Light foods (soups, Jell-O, etc.)

After your surgery, you will need to start with a light, clear liquid diet (soft drinks, tea, apple juice, water) before advancing to soup and crackers. Because you will gradually work back up to solid foods, make sure to stock up on liquids and soups!

What to Bring (and Not Bring) to the Hospital

Endometriosis excision surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can usually go home the day of the surgery. You are required to bring someone with you to the hospital, who will drive you to and from your surgery and remain in the building the entire time.

When you arrive, make sure to:

• Bring a list of all current medications including dosages, your driver’s license, and your insurance card.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes
• Avoid wearing any makeup, jewelry, contact lenses, body piercings, lotions, or perfumes.

You may also want to pack the following items:

• Loose-fitting undergarments
• Sanitary napkins
• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
• Slip-on shoes
• Pillow for your abdomen in the car

What Endometriosis Pre-Surgery Instructions from Your Surgeon May Look Like

Here is an example of the general pre-surgery instruction list you’ll get from your treatment team:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your surgery, including water, candy, chewing gum, or mints.
• No smoking in the days or weeks leading up to the surgery
• Avoid taking certain medications the day of surgery, if your doctor recommends it
• Bowel Prep if the doctor instructs. Make sure you have your supplies and you’re clear on the instructions. Do not take advice from the internet. Your surgeon is the only one who can provide proper instructions.
• Shower the morning of your surgery. Do not apply deodorant or body lotion. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
• Sometimes a doctor will recommend using a special soap in the shower or cleansing wipes on the abdomen the night before or the day of the surgery to help to prevent infections.

Your care team may provide more detailed instructions, which will be clearly communicated with you ahead of time. As always, make sure to read these instructions carefully and reach out if anything is unclear.

After the Robotic Excision Endometriosis Surgery

After the Robotic Excision Endometriosis Surgery and endometriosis excision surgery, despite the small incisions, your uterus and ovaries have been moved, and endometriosis lesions cut from internal organs. You may feel surgical pain and tenderness for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Plan to get plenty of rest and relaxation to assist in the recovery process.

It’s important to avoid alcohol, driving, and any major decision-making for 48 hours after your surgery. Your doctor will also provide a handout with detailed post-operative instructions, which you should follow exactly. Finally, make sure you go in for your post-op appointment.

You’re Ready for Your Minimally Invasive Endometriosis Surgery

With all this preparation, you’re ready for your endometriosis surgery. To further put your mind at ease, consider reaching out to the endometriosis community online. You belong to a club now: a club of women who have had the same experiences with pain and other issues that come with having endometriosis. They are a wealth of knowledge and experience and can give you some great tips for mental recovery, coping, and celebrating successes.

In the meantime, your compassionate care team is there to answer any questions you have and give you back control over your life—pain-free.

Contact The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America for Endometriosis Surgical Options

If you’re living with pain and you’re ready to do something about it, choose the best in minimally invasive robotic excision surgeries. Request an appointment with the team at the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America for a consultation at our Lake Orion or Birmingham, Michigan locations.

Are you ready to take control of your life and say goodbye to endometriosis pain? The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America specializes in robotic surgery for endometriosis and offers cutting-edge robotic excision of endometriosis to ensure a smoother endometriosis surgery recovery. Our compassionate team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free future through advanced excision surgery for endometriosis. Don’t wait any longer – schedule your consultation today and discover the path to a better, healthier you. Take the first step towards lasting relief and empowerment with the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America. Your journey to a brighter tomorrow begins here.