Endometriosis
Overview
Its defined as presence of uterine lining outside the cavity of uterus, anywhere in the abdomen. Common sites include ovary, fallopian tubes, ligaments connecting the uterus to the walls and floor of pelvic cavity, urinary bladder, rectum, intestines etc.
Symptoms
- Painful menses
- Pain lower abdomen, heaviness in abdomen.
- Painful defecation, painful micturition.
- Blood in stools
- Blood in urine
- Infertility
- Complications: Like malignant transformation.
Risk Factors
- Family history of endometriosis
- Late pregnancy and childbirth
- Abnormal uterus e.g uterine malformations like bicornuate uterus.
Investigations
- Ultrasonography: Abdominal or Transvaginal sonography
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
- Medical treatment: Hormones: Oral contraceptives, Progesterones.
- NSAIDs
- Surgical treatment: Laproscopic removal of ovarian endometrioma, with or without removal of ovaries.
- Risk of recurrence can be upto 40 %.
- Open surgery
- Hysterectomy with or without removal of both ovaries, if family is complete.