Surgery for endometriosis

Surgery for endometriosis- Endometriosis is a chronic condition where endometrial tissue is present at other sites other than the uterine cavity such as ovaries, pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments, pelvic peritoneum, bladder umbilicus. Signs and symptoms also include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, painful intercourse and subfertility. Sometimes patients may be asymptotic. Risk factors associated with endometriosis are early menarche, family history of endometriosis, short menstrual cycles, long duration of menstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding and defects in the uterus or fallopian tubes. Treatment is based on individual’s needs and include pain analgesia, hormonal therapy and surgery. Relapses will almost certainly occur and surgery may have to be repeated. Ultimate management may be a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries with subsequent replacement of hormones until the age of the menopause.