Overview

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful condition in women where the tissues which are similar to the lining of your uterus shed and grow on other organs and parts of your body. These include the ovaries, fallopian tube and in rare cases, the bladder and the intestines.

What are its Causes?

Recent studies have found possible causes of this condition which include:

• Backflow of menstrual blood
• Genetics / having a close relative with this condition
• Changes in hormone levels (mainly oestrogen)
• Poor immunity
• Environmental factors like being exposed to harmful chemicals

Who is More Likely to Get it?

The following individuals are at a higher risk of being affected by this condition:

• Those with a close family member who is affected by this
• Short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days between periods)
• Long and heavy periods (lasting more than 8 days)
• Never had children

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Severe period pain
• Frequent abdominal/back pain during or between periods
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Painful intercourse
• Pain while passing stools or urinating

How is it Diagnosed?

• Careful review of your symptoms and menstrual history
• Looking inside your uterus using a small camera
• Analysing tissue samples

How is this Condition Treated?

• Pain medicines
• Hormone treatment including contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Surgical removal of the affected tissues or the entire uterus

Robotic Endometriosis Surgery

What is it?

A modern surgery that uses a doctor-guided robotic system in place of handheld instruments to remove the affected tissues precisely.

Why is this Procedure Done?

• If the number and size of the spots is too big
• The spots are in hard-to-reach locations
• Allows the surgeon to carefully remove the affected portions while protecting normal pelvic organs and function

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

• Better precision
• Shorter length of stay
• Fewer surgery-related issues

Procedure Details

Instructions Before the Procedure

• Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and other such factors will be checked
• Your doctor will review any medicines you might be taking
• You will also be asked about your allergies
• You will be asked to fast for several hours before surgery

Step-by-Step Overview

• Patient is given a pain-killer and put to sleep
• Small cuts are made in your abdomen through which a small tube with a camera and the surgical robot's arms are inserted
• The spots are identified and removed
• The cuts are closed and the patient is shifted to a recovery room

Risks & Complications

Common Risks

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Tissue damage

Rare but Serious Complications

• Bad reaction to anaesthesia
• Blood clot

Benefits and Outcomes

Expected Results

Considerable relief from endometriosis symptoms.

Hospital Stay & Recovery

After the Procedure

• You will be kept under observation, possibly overnight
• You are encouraged to walk a few hours after surgery

Hospital Stay Duration

Usually discharged on the same day or the next day.

Recovery Timeline

• Full recovery takes 6–8 weeks
• Light activities can be done after 1 week
• Keep the surgical site dry and clean

Activity Restrictions

• No strenuous activities for the first 1–2 weeks
• Avoid driving for at least 1 week or while on painkillers
• Don't engage in sports for at least 6 weeks to prevent any complications

Lifestyle & Prevention

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids (2–3 litres)
• Consume a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation
• Have small, frequent, and nutritious meals throughout the day

Exercise

• Do gentle exercises for 2 weeks, then gradually increase activity levels while watching your pain levels

Long-Term Care

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions