Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition affecting 10% of women globally(1). Women with endometriosis experience a variety of symptoms that can be debilitating. This is why obtaining a diagnosis and treatment are critical. For this reason, if you have or suspect you have endometriosis, you may want to know more about various aspects of endometriosis and very importantly, when endometriosis surgery is needed. To allay any concerns, let’s discuss this matter in more detail.
Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis
Doctors begin the complex process of diagnosing endometriosisbased on your symptoms. Some of the symptoms may mimic those of ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome, so the best way to identify endometriosis is through a process of physical examination and various imaging technologies. They begin with the least invasive and safest methods such as ultrasound or an MRI to view and identify the source of the symptoms. The new non-invasive gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis is ultrasound. During an ultrasound, in experienced hands, they are able to obtain more precise images of deep endometriosis lesions, adhesions, and endometriotic cysts, and rule out other potential sources of the symptoms, among other things.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Once endometriosis has been identified, the doctor will discuss potential treatment options. Treatments vary depending on family planning, symptoms, and severity of the endometriosis. Treatment can begin with less invasive methods like painkillers, then hormone-based treatments. Surgical treatment however is an option if endometriosis symptoms impact on QoL and after careful consideration the potential benefits of surgery outweigh the risks of surgery.
When To Pursue Surgery for Endometriosis
This depends on the severity of the endometriosis symptoms, the impact of these symptoms on QoL, the goals of the patient, the other treatment options that have been trialled and the input of the gynaecologist.
The decision to pursue surgical treatment, however, is made in consultation with a doctor under careful consideration.
Types of Endometriosis Surgery
There are three primary forms of endometriosis surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery. The least invasive and most common procedure is a laparoscopy or robotic surgery. In a laparoscopy or robotic surgery, a small incision is made near the navel through which a camera is inserted in order to confirm the location of the endometrial tissue, followed by the removal of the endometrial tissue. These surgical approaches are typically performed under general anaesthesia.
Hysterectomy is a good surgical procedure to cure heavy menstrual bleeding disorders. Hysterectomy however is not a good operation for pelvic pain; it may be helpful for adenomyosis symptoms but any decision to proceed with this surgical procedure needs to be carefully discussed with your gynaecologist.
The Benefits of Endometriosis Surgery
Endometriosis surgery offers many women significant relief from the symptoms of endometriosis. It can alleviate pain, may improve fertility, provide a definitive diagnosis (especially for superficial endometriosis), and help doctors form a long-term plan to manage the condition.
For some women, endometriosis surgery is necessary when other treatments fail, there are complications, or if the condition is progressing rapidly. As previously said, some women with input from their gynaecologist may decide to proceed with surgery as a preference. If you have or suspect you have endometriosis, it is critical to seek medical attention in order to improve your quality of life and prevent it from progressing and becoming more severe.
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