Understanding Laparoscopy Images
I’m a 36-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 9 stone 5 pounds. I’m seeking clarification regarding the laparoscopic images that reveal the presence of endometriosis discovered during my recent hysterectomy, where my ovaries were preserved due to the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Additionally, I had endometriosis-related cysts identified and excised from the right inguinal ligament. I currently possess the images, but my follow-up appointment is not scheduled for several months. Therefore, I hope someone can help me interpret the findings depicted in these photos and provide insights into their significance.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 8:01:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a lot with your recent surgery and the discovery of endometriosis. Understanding your medical images can certainly help you feel more informed about your condition.
Main Points
You have been diagnosed with endometriosis, which can sometimes lead to pain and complications, and you recently had cysts removed related to this. It’s understandable to want clarity before your follow-up appointment.
Explanation
Laparoscopic images are visual tools used by surgeons to examine the interior of the abdomen and pelvis, often focusing on reproductive organs. In your case, they have identified endometriosis, which means that tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is growing outside of it, potentially causing pain or other symptoms. The presence of cysts (often referred to as endometriomas when related to endometriosis) indicates that there were fluid-filled sacs formed due to this condition.
Here’s a breakdown of some usual findings:
- Endometriosis: Look for dark, chocolate-colored areas (these indicate endometriotic tissue).
- Cysts: These may appear as fluid-filled sacs. If you see excisions marked in your images, this shows areas where the tissue or cyst was surgically removed.
- Inguinal Ligament Status: Images may show the right inguinal region where cysts were excised.
These findings imply that your healthcare team is addressing the complications of adenomyosis and endometriosis which can significantly affect quality of life.
Next Steps
- Review the Images: If possible, take time to observe areas of concern or specific oddities in the images. Noting anything that seems significant to you will help during your follow-up.
- Symptom Tracking: Keep a log of your symptoms, including pain levels, menstrual cycles, and any new symptoms until your appointment. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
- Research Reliable Resources: Look up trusted websites like the Endometriosis Foundation of America or Mayo Clinic for basic explanations and potential treatment options related to your findings.
- Prepare Questions for Your Follow-Up: As your follow-up is still some time away, jot down any questions or concerns you have regarding treatment options, lifestyle changes, or symptoms.
It’s tough to wait, but understanding your condition can empower you for your next steps. Focus on staying informed and taking care of your overall well-being in the meantime. If anything concerning arises (like increased pain or new symptoms), consider reaching out for earlier guidance.
Related Questions
Understanding Pelvic Pain and the Discovery of a Lump
Over a year ago, in July 2023, I began to feel an uncomfortable pain in my pelvic region. It’s difficult to articulate, but it manifested as a nagging ache that would come and go—definitely pain, not mere discomfort. Initially, I consulted my gynecologist to undergo a pap smear to determine if the pain could be linked to that. The results indicated a positive diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis (BV), which I promptly treated. However, despite the treatment, the pain did not subside and the subsequent tests showed I was negative for BV once again. As time passed, I realized that the discomfort lingered; it would recede for a period only to reappear monthly or even more frequently for up to a week at a time. I’ve been documenting the pain in hopes of finding a correlation with my menstrual cycle, but there seems to be no consistent pattern. I have undergone three ultrasounds—one being transvaginal and the other two abdominal—but all yielded normal results. Then, on November 14, 2024, while I was in the shower, I happened to notice a small lump in that pelvic area. It was roughly the size of my pinky knuckle. I refrained from examining it thoroughly due to the significant pain that accompanied any touch, and honestly, the sensation made me uneasy. I’m unsure if the lump is still present because I'm too apprehensive to explore it further, yet the pain remains an ongoing issue. Furthermore, the lump is not visible, suggesting it may be situated deeper. A couple of points worth mentioning include: 1) I underwent hernia surgery in that same region when I was just two years old, and 2) I have a recurring history of vaginal and urinary infections, including chronic urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. Additionally, I’ve been grappling with persistent diarrhea for several months now. Although I can't ascertain if these conditions are connected, I believe they might provide relevant context.
Understanding Gastric Cancer Determination Post-Mortem
Greetings everyone, I hope you can assist me with some insights regarding the diagnosis of gastric cancer made solely through CT imaging. My father, aged 72, passed away in June due to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting from a gastric outlet obstruction. This obstruction, along with an associated mass, was identified on a CT scan just two hours prior to his death. Given the findings from the scan, an autopsy was deemed unnecessary, and his death certificate categorized the cause of death as follows: 1. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage 2. Gastric outlet obstruction 3. Gastric cancer Interestingly, my father had not received a cancer diagnosis prior to his passing, which led me to question how they could attribute this diagnosis without a biopsy. Just a week before he died, he experienced difficulties during an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) due to an excess of stomach contents despite having fasted beforehand. He was scheduled for a follow-up OGD with an extended fasting period when his condition suddenly deteriorated. At the time of his death, he stood around six feet tall and weighed approximately 260 pounds. He began smoking at the age of 14 and continued until he was 56. His medical history included treatment for hypertension and atrial fibrillation, during which he was prescribed Rivaroxaban, as well as medication for reflux issues. As a nurse specializing in oncology, I possess a reasonable understanding of how cancer presents; however, I’m not as knowledgeable about the specifics of radiology, particularly in identifying cancerous features on a CT scan. This personal experience has certainly altered my perspective. Ultimately, while the diagnosis does not alter the outcome, understanding it is important for our family’s health history moving forward. Any insights or information you could share would be greatly valued. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. This occurred in England.
Exploring Alternatives to Vraylar
30-year-old female, 225 pounds Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Currently prescribed Vraylar 4.5mg/once daily ADHD Treatment: - Qelbree 200mg/once daily - Adderall 20mg/twice daily Anxiety Management: - Clonazepam 0.5mg/as needed Dealing with Diabetes and PCOS: - Ozempic 2mg injection/once weekly - Metformin 1000mg/twice daily GERD Treatment: - Omeprazole 80mg/once daily I began taking Vraylar eight years ago. Since starting this medication, I have experienced significant weight gain that has proven difficult to lose and I have also developed type 2 diabetes. My bipolar disorder was diagnosed after I experienced a manic episode characterized by psychosis in 2015. Back then, I weighed 175 pounds when I entered college, and by the time I graduated, my weight had increased to 240 pounds. Unfortunately, none of my healthcare providers have discussed the potential side effects of Vraylar, such as weight gain, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While I haven't suffered from any manic episodes over the past eight years, I can’t help but wonder if transitioning to a different medication might be beneficial for me. I’m in a constant state of fear regarding the possibility of another manic episode, but I’m also weary of being held responsible for my weight and diabetes, especially since I feel as if much of this situation is beyond my control.
Strange mirrored skin lesion near the waist
I’m a 20-year-old male, weighing 130 kg and standing 1.85 m tall, so I have a few extra pounds and some stretch marks around my waistline. Yesterday, as I stood up and adjusted my pants, I noticed a peculiar mark on my left side right along one of those stretch marks that suddenly began to bleed. Initially, I assumed it was simply a pimple, but when I pressed it, the pain was intense, more like a stab than typical acne discomfort. A notable amount of dark blood, including some thick, gelatinous clots, oozed out at first before it transitioned to more standard dark blood. The bleeding ceased once I stopped applying pressure, but it felt as though there could have been more if I had continued to press. I cleaned the area and applied a bandage; afterward, the pain wasn't significant. Here's where it gets strange: Around 24 hours later, I discovered a similar lesion developing on the opposite side of my waist, as if it were a mirror image, perfectly aligned if you imagined a line cutting straight down the middle. The new spot hasn't burst yet and isn't painful, but it has a similar sensation just beneath the skin. I decided to bandage it as a precaution since I'm hesitant to pop it. I have no fever, no severe discomfort, and generally, I feel well overall. I have a doctor's appointment coming up in a few days, but I’m curious if anyone might have insights into what this could be and how best to handle it. Unfortunately, I can't upload images here, but if anyone requires more details, feel free to reach out via direct message.
Understanding Asherman's Syndrome: An Uncommon Dilemma
Age 35, Caucasian, diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and recently identified with Asherman's syndrome. Hello everyone, I find myself feeling a bit disheartened and bewildered by my recent diagnosis of Asherman's syndrome, particularly because I don't seem to possess any of the typical risk factors associated with this condition. I have no background of previous pregnancies, dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures, IUD insertions, uterine infections, or sexually transmitted infections. As someone who works in a distinctly different area of healthcare—specifically in veterinary dermatology—I'm struggling to grasp the implications of this diagnosis. Most literature I’ve encountered suggests that Asherman's syndrome commonly arises following trauma to the uterine lining, which adds to my confusion. Moreover, I have been facing difficulties in getting my healthcare providers to articulate the nature of this condition in a manner that aligns with my understanding of medical processes. I am curious about how the absence of known risk factors informs potential pathogenesis. If, indeed, this condition is linked to a chronic inflammatory or immune-mediated response, I would like to know what the long-term treatment options might entail and what the outlook looks like after surgeries aimed at removing scar tissue. I would greatly appreciate any insights from physicians regarding this condition. To my surprise, I learned that I might be eligible for surgical intervention within a month, but if I wish to consult with a specialist in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery prior to that, I would need to wait an additional two months. Any guidance would be immensely helpful.