Villa Stuart Private Clinic

Endometriosis

Endometriosis remains an enigmatic disease and, above all, an open problem; in fact, we are far from solving the two main problems this disease poses: the still uncertain etiopathogenesis and the high incidence of recurrence (15-30% depending on the type of endometriosis). It is a chronic and complex disease, originating from the abnormal presence of the tissue lining the inner wall of the uterus (the endometrium) in other organs such as ovaries, tubes, peritoneum, vagina and intestines; it causes internal bleeding, chronic inflammation and scar tissue, and adhesions.

Each month under the effects of the hormones of the menstrual cycle, abnormally implanted endometrial tissue undergoes bleeding, in the same way as occurs to the endometrium normally found in the uterus. Bleeding results in irritation of the surrounding tissues, which gives rise to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions.

SYMPTOMS

The prevailing symptom is pain, which can manifest in various aspects: from dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cycle) to pelvic pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle, to profound dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse).

The other characteristic symptom of endometriosis is infertility, although the mechanism by which endometriotic disease results in infertility is not yet well understood: certainly in advanced stages of the disease (stage III and IV according to the R-AFS classification) the characteristic anatomical subversion may account for this issue; instead, it is likely that substances such as interleukin or other cytokines, alterations during the inflammatory response, or autoimmune factors may alter follicular development, embryogenesis, or implantation causing infertility in women with minimal or mild stages of endometriosis.

CLINICAL INSTRUMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS

Careful collection of the medical history and a thorough gynecological examination are the first approach to diagnosing endometriosis.
Being able to highlight the painful areas with a careful objective examination is critical to the suspicion of this condition. The imaging techniques commonly employed for the diagnosis of endometriotic disease are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Laparoscopy, in view of the fact that the diagnosis of endometriosis must be supported by histological confirmation, is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of this pathology.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL THERAPIES

Over the years, endometriosis has been the subject of several attempts at therapeutic treatments, such as ovarian suppression, surgical treatment, or a combination of these therapies. The rationale for current treatment options is to inhibit the growth of endometriotic ectopic implants through the detection of a state of hypoestrogenism.
Laparoscopy is now unanimously considered the surgical approach of choice for the treatment of endometriotic disease, both with regard to ovarian disease (endometrioma) and the restoration of normal anatomy.

The team consists of physicians with high specialization:

24/7 Emergency Service - Prof. Pier Paolo Mariani

Prof. Pier Paolo Mariani
Monday / Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
388.655.5123

In the evening after 8:00 PM, on Saturday after 1:00 PM, and on Sunday, call the toll-free number 800.118.166

The Villa Stuart Clinic is affiliated with major insurance companies and supplementary health care funds.

For information and bookings

Monday / Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Emergency service

Service available 24 hours a day

Endometriosi

Équipe

Dr. Giorgia Soreca

Surgeon

Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics

Prof. Alfredo Ercoli