Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

The endometrium is a tissue that lines the cavity of the uterus that potentially houses an embryo and that is evacuated during menstruation. It sometimes happens that tissue resembling the endometrium grows outside the cavity of the uterus, into the ovaries, the rectovaginal space, bladder or intestines, etc. This is the condition known as endometriosis.

While some patients show no symptoms, most experience pain, sometimes very severe pain, in the area of the (lower) abdomen or back, either during or between periods, during sexual relations or when urinating etc. Endometriosis can be the source of fertility problems, chronic fatigue, addiction to painkillers, absenteeism from school or work, etc. It can also cause major psychological stress, especially when patients consult and suffer discomfort for several years without being correctly diagnosed and treated.

Treatment

The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic offers global and multidisciplinary care.

The first consultation: You and the gynaecologist first note your symptoms, your antecedents and any medication you may be taking (including contraceptives). The doctor then undertakes a meticulous gynaecological medical examination, followed by an endovaginal ultrasound.
Additional examinations: The gynaecologist can also prescribe a pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. However, neither the MRI nor the endovaginal ultrasound always show everything. In some cases a laparoscopy is needed. This surgical intervention, used for both diagnosis and treatment, involves inserting a tiny camera and surgical instruments through an incision in the abdomen of just 1 cm. Identified endometriosis lesions are removed or destroyed.
Medical treatment is generally the first treatment option. The menstrual cycle is rested using a hormonal contraceptive, chosen according to your profile and preferences.
Surgical treatment involves “burning” or removing the endometriosis lesions by means of a conventional (laparoscopy) or robotic (see Focus) technique that is minimally invasive.
Other treatment: The clinic also proposes consultations in psychology and sexology to help you manage the potential impact of the endometriosis on your mental health and/or intimacy. Shiatsu (therapeutic massage technique) sessions are also proposed.

The Endometriosis Clinic collaborates with the Fertility Clinic, the Medical Imaging Department and H.U.B’s Multidisciplinary Centre for Pain Evaluation and Treatment.

Advice

Certain lifestyle changes can improve endometriosis symptoms. It is therefore recommended to:

take regular exercise ;
adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that limits foods likely to increase endometriosis pain (typically fermented foods);
make an intelligent use of painkillers, in appropriate doses at the right time.

Focus

The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic has a Da Vinci® robot with a dual console. This makes it possible not only to reach lesions where access is difficult but also to operate with four hands. Depending on the location of the endometriosis lesions, the gynaecologist operates with the urologist or specialist in digestive surgery.

Research

The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic participates in clinic trials to find new treatment and in fundamental research projects to arrive at a better understanding of the causes – in particular environmental – of the disease.