Endometriosis is a medical condition in which cells that resemble those from the uterus spread and appear in certain areas around the uterus and nearby organs. The accumulation of these cells causes certain symptoms. In some women endometriosis is asymptomatic and can be found accidentally. The problem is not the mere presence of these cells outside the uterus. Namely, the cells are under influence of female hormones. This is why the symptoms of the disease aggravate during menstrual bleeding.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
The diagnosis of endometriosis is easily set after laparoscopic examination of the abdomen. In this procedure a tube is inserted into the abdomen through a tiny incision. Additional incisions are made to make it easier for the instruments to reach abdominal cavity. The doctor will be able to see every single change on the reproductive organs via laparoscope. This tube can additionally have certain surgical devices and these can be rather helpful in taking biopsies of the suspicious tissues. Pathohystological examination of the tissue will confirm or rule out endometriosis.
Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis
Endometrial lesions and changes can be easily resected or burned by laser. Even during laparoscopic examination, a doctor can remove some of the approachable endometrial tissue. In case of advanced disease the laparoscopic approach is not suitable enough.
The collections of endometrial tissue most commonly affect ovaries and some parts of peritoneum. These collections are surgically removed. Namely, there are several surgical procedures available.
Simple puncture is performed to drain the fluid from the cysts. Still this is not the perfect solution as the disease reoccurs in half of the treated women. On the other hand this procedure is convenient since it does not lead to scaring.
Ablation is another method of drainage of the cysts. The cysts are eliminated with laser or electrosurgery. In this procedure the tissue of the ovaries can be damaged.
Cutting of the cyst wall may be efficient in reduction of the repeated collection of endometrial cells. Even this procedure carries significant risk of damage to the ovaries.
The pain which is the major symptom of all the women suffering from endometriosis can be alleviated with the surgical removal of the endometrial tissue. Still some women will experience pain even after the surgery.
The most invasive surgery for endometriosis is hysterectomy. It actually eliminates all the symptoms of endometriosis. However, it is performed in women who do not want to have children any more. This is why this procedure is not suitable for younger women suffering from this horrible disease.
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