Do you suffer from endometriosis? Are you aware that your symptoms and discomfort may be able to be treated with highly advanced, minimally invasive robotic surgery? Keep reading to learn more about this innovative technology that is helping women undergo gentler, more manageable surgeries for endometriosis!
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a rather common occurrence affecting women exclusively. The most common age of those affected is between 25 – 35. It causes the tissue of the uterus to grow beyond the space of the uterus, encroaching upon areas it is not meant to exist, such as the ovaries or the fallopian tubes. This tissue growing outside the uterus is then known as an implant, and it can travel as far as other organs such as the bowels, liver, rectum, lungs, the diaphragm, and even beyond these locations in rare circumstances.
Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms, with ongoing pain and infertility being two of the most common. In some women, it causes irregular periods, or erratic/ extensive bleeding. And while endometriosis can greatly affect a woman’s quality of life and cause many inconveniences, it is not a life-threatening condition. There is, however, no cure for the disease.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The direct cause of endometriosis has not been determined, however, it is believed that it is a result of endometrium tissue not exiting the body properly during the menstrual cycle, and instead, it travels towards other organs and attaches (implants), and it then begins to cause problems for the woman. After the tissue attaches, adhesions and scar tissue can begin to form on the affected organs, which can cause excruciating pelvic pain, and even infertility.
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because the condition does not always present with symptoms. Physicians typically begin with going over a patient’s health background and history. The next step is usually a pelvic exam, and if necessary, the physician will recommend additional testing which can include a pelvic ultrasound to assess the area for endometrial tissue implants or growth occurring beyond the uterus. If further diagnostic measures are needed, a diagnostic laparoscopy can be ordered to extract the tissue. This will also enable the doctor to have a biopsy done on the tissue to accurately diagnosis endometriosis.
Living with Endometriosis: There is Help
Endometriosis, as mentioned above, does not have a cure. It can be aggravating and inconvenient to live with because its symptoms can range from unpleasant discomfort to life-altering in the event of an infertility diagnosis. Daily life can be impacted as a result of the physical pain it causes, and this can affect daily activities immensely.
If you are seeking an option to dealing with endometriosis Dr. Shakiba and his team at Women’s Pelvic Surgery can help. With great experience and noted results in the area of minimally invasive pelvic surgery, there are options with robotic surgery and laparoscopy. As there is no cure for endometriosis, surgical methods are considered the most successful option for treating this condition. With the technology of the da Vinci ® surgical method, there is a much lower risk of complications, with generally faster recovery times. If you are suffering from endometriosis, please understand that you do have treatment options and Dr. Shakiba may be able to help you. Please do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment!
Women’s Pelvic Surgery
Telephone: (201)-301-2772
Fax: (551)-313-8274
