Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. It is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes painful or heavy periods. A woman with suffering from endometriosis feels pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or the lower back area. It may also lead to lack of energy, depression and fertility problems. What causes endometriosis is still unknown to experts. A common theory is that some menstrual blood and endometrium flows backwards from the uterus through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis during a menstrual period.
Infertile women have higher risk of endometriosis compared to fertile women. Moreover, pregnancy is not full hindered by this condition. There is a high potential that women with mild to moderate endometriosis can get conceive without problem but anyhow most women with endometriosis will still be able to get pregnant. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women with mild and moderate endometriosis will conceive within three years without any specific treatment.
Diagnosis can help identify the proper treatment for endometriosis. Laparoscopy is used to diagnose endometriosis. High-energy heat source, such as laser is used to cut or burn away endometrial lesions. Treatment with laparoscopy is more difficult with advanced disease that involves large areas of the rectum or larger lesions.
In the past years, complicated procedures can be easily performed by the surgeons to outshine traditional laparascopic surgery. Lesser days in the hospital, rapid recuperation, and faster return to normal activities are some of the advantages of robotic surgery. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become wary of the increase in adverse reports.
Before undergoing a robotic surgery, FDA tells patientsto talk to their respective doctor in order to determine if da Vinci is the best surgical procedure for them. The page on da Vinci lawsuit offers a more complete information regarding this matter.
References:
webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/laparoscopic-surgery-for-endometriosis
medicinenet.com/endometriosis/page5.htm
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/endometriosis/hic_surgical_treatment_for_endometriosis.aspx
nhs.uk/Conditions/Endometriosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
uptodate.com/contents/endometriosis-beyond-the-basics
