Who should get an excision surgery for endometriosis?

BY DR. BROOKE WINNER

When considering excision surgery for endometriosis, the first step is to have a consultation and exam to understand your full medical history.

Typically, we start with a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. It’s important to know that a normal ultrasound does not rule out endometriosis; it simply indicates that no visible endometrioma cysts are present.

  • If symptoms persist despite normal imaging, patients may be classified into stages one or two of endometriosis, which can often be managed with hormonal treatments.

However, if medication is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or if pregnancy is a goal, surgery may be necessary. In cases where an endometrioma cyst is present, usually indicating stage three or four, surgical intervention is often required, as medications rarely eliminate these cysts.

Lastly, while there are two methods for treating endometriosis, ablation and excision, many surgeons advocate for excision. Excision allows for deeper removal of endometriosis and any surrounding tissue, potentially offering better pain relief. Additionally, excised tissue can be examined for a precise diagnosis. Therefore, any patient deemed suitable for surgery should ideally pursue excision for the best outcomes.


 

Do you prefer to watch it?

Watch Dr. Brooke Winner, founder of Full Spectrum Fibroid & Endometriosis in Seattle, explain who should consider excision surgery for endometriosis in this short video.

Watch the video here


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