How is Bowel Endometriosis treated?

Effective management of intestinal and bowel endometriosis involves a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Treatment options encompass medical interventions, surgical procedures, and holistic approaches. Collaborating with gynecologists and specialized colorectal surgeons is crucial to develop a comprehensive strategy.
Here are the diverse approaches we offer:

Medication-Based Strategies:

Medical treatment options aim to address pain, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances associated with intestinal and bowel endometriosis.

• Hormonal therapies such as oral contraceptives, progestins, or GnRH agonists, can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce tissue growth.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Lifestyle Guidance:

Complementary lifestyle modifications can be beneficial in conjunction with medical and surgical treatments.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, staying physically active, practicing stress management techniques (such as yoga or meditation), and maintaining a healthy body weight can contribute to overall well-being and symptom management.

What surgical interventions are used to treat Bowel Endometriosis?

For severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended. Robotic or Laparoscopic excision or resection of endometriotic lesions can provide relief from pain and improve overall gastrointestinal function.

• Laparoscopic Surgery – Minimally Invasive Approach: Often referred to as minimally invasive surgery or “keyhole” surgery, is one approach for treating intestinal and bowel endometriosis. This advanced technique involves making small incisions through which a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. This allows surgeons to visualize the affected areas and perform precise interventions with minimal tissue disruption.

• Robotic Surgery (Preferred Approach at SGLA): Robotic-assisted surgery brings a new level of precision to the treatment of bowel endometriosis. Surgeons control robotic arms with remarkable dexterity, navigating the intricate landscape of the abdomen. The high-definition 3D visualization ensures meticulous removal of endometriotic lesions and scar tissue, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
  • Excision of Endometriotic Lesions: This process involves carefully dissecting the abnormal tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Excision aims to eliminate the source of pain and inflammation and restore normal organ function.

• • Adhesion and Scar Tissue Removal: Intestinal and bowel endometriosis can lead to the formation of adhesions (abnormal tissue connections) and scar tissue. These adhesions can cause organs to stick together, contributing to pain and digestive complications. With robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons can delicately navigate intricate anatomical structures to remove adhesions and scar tissue facilitating effective removal of endometriosis while preserving healthy tissue.
  • Bowel Resection: In cases where endometriosis has caused significant damage to the bowel, a bowel resection may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the affected segment of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy portions. While it’s a more extensive surgical intervention, bowel resection can be effective in cases of severe obstruction or tissue damage. In such instances, the robotic approach offers precision in reconnecting the intestines, reducing the risk of complications.