Laparoscopy is used for mild to moderate endometriosis. The misplaced endometrial tissue is removed, either with surgical instruments or lasers. A big plus is that laparoscopy leaves the reproductive organs intact. This is especially important to women of childbearing age who may want to become pregnant. Laparotomy is required when endometrial implants are too big to be removed by laparoscopy.
Laparotomy requires hospitalization.
A large incision is made in the abdomen, and misplaced endometrial tissue is removed surgically. Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus and oophorectomy is surgical removal of the ovaries. It's an unfortunate fact that endometriosis often returns after treatment. Becoming depressed or discouraged about this is natural. However, it's important to discuss other treatment options with your doctor and to undergo repeat treatment.