Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

In patients who have endometriosis, the tissue that lines the uterus is found elsewhere in the abdominal cavity, such as on the uterus, rectum, bladder, ureters, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. These deposits are implants. This tissue reacts to estrogen in the same way as the lining of the uterus; it grows and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation and irritation of the surrounding tissue. As the tissue breaks down during the menstrual cycle, scar tissue (referred to as adhesions) can form. As many as 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis. Some patients also suffer from infertility as a result of endometriosis.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptom is pelvic pain that is chronic and most common during sex or before and during a patient’s menstrual period. Other symptoms depend on the location of implants; implants on the bladder can cause painful urination, while implants on the rectum may cause painful bowel movements. Some women have no symptoms at all.

How is endometriosis treated?

Scientific advances have brought new treatment options to market for patients suffering from endometriosis. The following robotic-assisted surgeries provided by Dr. Swainston to assist in the ongoing management of endometriosis:

• Robotic-assisted resection of endometrial implants, also called resection of endometriomas, during which implants are carefully detached from abdominal structures and removed.
• Extensive lysis of adhesions, which involves destruction of scar tissue in the abdomen resulting from endometriosis.
• Fulguration of endometrial implants using electrical energy.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries?

Resection of endometriomas and extensive lysis of adhesions can alleviate the symptoms and complications of endometriosis while preserving the patient’s potential to bear children. Without surgeries to manage the damage done by endometriosis, hysterectomy could be the only option. Many women still plan to have children when they're diagnosed with endometriosis, making this option undesirable and even devastating.

Is hysterectomy ever recommended?

Women suffering from severe endometriosis who are done having children, unable to have children, or who don’t plan to have children naturally may benefit from a hysterectomy. In rare cases, when other procedures fail to manage the condition, hysterectomy may be recommended for patients who don’t meet the criteria listed above.

We offer Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Fibroids. Call us to book your appointment today.