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Endometriosis Treatment: Excision Of Endometrial Implants

By HERWriter
 
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Endometrial tissue is made up of cells that are produced inside the uterus during ovulation. When the tissue builds outside the uterus into other parts of the pelvic area such as the bladder, ovaries, rectum and fallopian tubes, the condition is called endometriosis. During a woman's menstrual period the extra endometrial cells will try to shed through the menstruation process, however because they have grown outside the uterus there is no place for them to go. Instead, the tissue will continue to grow and spread to other locations in the body.

The signs of endometriosis generally appear between 25 and 35 years of age, although the build up of extra tissue may start as early as their first menstrual cycle. Women who are diagnosed with endometriosis cannot only experience severe pain during menstruation, but it can also lead to other complications including a woman’s infertility.

In the past, coagulation, the melting of tissue with a laser, was a surgical technique that was widely used. However through the years, most physicians have discovered that with coagulation, it is harder to control the damage caused by the heat gun on the healthy tissue. This is because the surgeon uses a gun that distributes heat in a wide area slowly, and like sunburn, the extent of the burn may not be apparent for hours or perhaps days. While this is a relatively simple technique the fact that endometriosis often grows on delicate organs such as the bowel, bladder, and ovaries means it is virtually impossible to burn just the right amount of tissue to completely remove the endometriosis without harming the other organs. For these reasons, most surgeons who specialize in the treatment of endometriosis do not consider coagulation as the preferred method for the surgical treatment of endometriosis.

The most effective treatment for endometriosis is removing the excess endometrial tissue or implants in and around the pelvic area. The removal of the excess tissue will help reduce painful symptoms and help boost fertility. One technique that often yields positive results is called excision. Excision is a surgical technique that cuts away endometriosis implants surgically in a way that will not cause damage to the other organs or surrounding tissue. If the implants are still intact after they have been removed, the physician will often send a biopsy to determine if the cells are deemed cancerous. Excision is also a good choice for the removal of large ovarian cysts called endometrioma, or chocolate cysts.

According to Endometriosis.org, clinical trials demonstrated that women that had excision performed on their pelvis had decreased symptoms 12 to 18 months later as opposed to women who used a treatment other than excision.
 
 The goal is to completely eradicate any endometrioma so that pain will decrease dramatically in addition to increasing a woman’s chances of fertility.

Sources:
 
Surgery. Endometriosis.org. Updated April 12, 2011. Retrieved Oct. 30, 2011.
http://endometriosis.org/treatments/endometriosis-surgery/
 
Endometriosis. Nlm.nih.gov. Updated July 25, 2011. Retrieved Oct. 30, 2011.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000915.htm
 
What is Endometriosis? Endofound.org. Retrieved Oct. 30, 2011.
http://www.endofound.org/endometriosis

Add a Comment2 Comments

Hi,
I am Diana and i already wrote a few time bout endometriosis. I have been operated two times in the lat 7 years and endo is back again. I have a cyst of 5-6 cm and I hate the idea of another surgery. Oh God, I will never escape of this. Since last 3-4 days I have such pain that I hardly can walk, I am always tired and feel so sad; always thinking at this disses, at the pain and sometimes at death. It never stops, pain is always with me.
I am trying to have a baby, but month by month I m so disappointed. I see no light, I see no hope...I feel so sick. Often I can not cry (even if it hurt so deep) ...it would be easier.
We have tried FIV (and spend a lo of money) without any success. There's nothing, just pain and sad days. God forgive me, but sometimes I feel like I am loosing faith ( I know God has a plan but it is a painful way to get there, whatever would that be).
I can not speak to now-one, I do not want my family see me suffering.

Wish you all the best and health,
Diana

January 6, 2012 - 3:07am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to diannasz)

Diana,
Don't lose hope or faith. Your body is fragile. It reacts to your thoughts and emotions. You must be hopeful and positive. The more you stress, the less your body will be able to do its job. So, so, many women have gone through what you're going through. AND, they eventually get pregnant -- but they had to let go of the control.

April 17, 2013 - 1:50pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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