What is Endometriosis ?
Endometriosis is an extremely distressing Gynecological condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age group. It results in very painful (often excruciating) periods and most of the sufferers also complain of infertility (inability to conceive)
How is Endometriosis caused ?
The last word has not been said about its causation but most people believe that menstrual blood backflows through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen and those deposits of blood incite local reaction in the peritoneal lining of the abdomen. The reaction is self-perpetuating and results in a relenlessly progressive disease that gives rise to severe pain,infertility or both. The blood may accumulate on ovaries giving rise to Endometriomas which are popularly known as Chocolate cysts.
How does Endometriois manifest itself ?
Most patients have pain during periods. As years go by, pain may persist in between periods. Many ladies complain of deepseated pain during or after intercourse. At least 20% of patients suffering for infertility for which no cause can be found on routine investigations actually have endometriosis.
Are there any tests to diagnose Endometriosis ?
Most of the time it is the Gynecologist who diagnoses the condition on the basis of clinical findings alone. Sometimes a chocolate cyst may be present which can be seen at ultrasound examination.
What is the treatment of Endometriosis ?
There is no medication which can cure this disease. If symptomatic, it is best treated by Laparoscopic surgery. This modality of treatment is the only one which can give longterm relief from Endometriosis.
Dr. Malay Roy at Anandaloke Hospitalpractise Radical Excision of Endometriosis which includes excision of diseased tissues after wide mobilisation of vital structures e.g., ureters and the Rectum.
