One of the most challenging
health conditions, endometriosis affects over 10 million women
in the United States alone.
Statistics show that an average delay in diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis among American women is approximately 8-10 years.
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What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is an implantation and growth of endometrial [uterine
lining] tissue outside of the uterus, which can result in a variety
of problems, including pelvic pain, subfertility, depending on
its location and extent. One of the most challenging health conditions,
endometriosis affects over 10 million women in the United States
alone. In addition, a risk of developing endometriosis in Japanese
women is higher than in American women. It is one of the leading
causes of pelvic pain and infertility. Though there are many effective
treatments, there is no known cure for this desease. Since endometriosis
is a progressive desease [Stage I to IV] and can spread like cancer,
an early detection and treatment is very important. The diagnosis
is confirmed when endometrial cells are identified outside their
usual location - inside the uterus.
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How Does Endometriosis Affect
Women?
Endometriosis can be found outside the uterus, inside and outside
the ovaries, or implanted upon the fallopian tubes, large and
small intestines, the appedix, the bladder wall and the urethra,
as well as anywhere else in the body. When women have their period,
the endometriosis also responds to the menstrual cycle's hormonal
signals, causing a period-like bleeding from the endometriosis
sites. When the endometriosis bleeds, women may have sensations
of deep pain or cramping. The body responds to the bleeding by
surrounding it with inflammation, often causing ahesions and leaving
scar tissues. Endometriosis is estimated to be present in 15-20%
of all reproductive-age American women and as many as 40% of infertile
women, and 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain.
Besides infertility, women suffering from endometriosis experience
severe pain during their menstrual cycle or during intercourse,
excessive or irregular bleeding, urinary or bowel problems in
conjunction with menstruation. Other symptoms associated with
endometriosis may include fatigue, acute pain with bowel movements,
lower back pain, diarrhea, constipation or other intestinal upset,
bleeding during bowel movement or urination during a patient's
period.
The amount of pain is not necessarily related to the extent or
size of growths. Some women have minimum endometriosis [Stage
I] but suffer from severe pelvic pain with each cycle. On the
other hand, about one third of advanced stage endometriosis patients
[Stage III-IV] experience no pain. Since endometriosis is progressive,
early diagnosis and treament of the symptoms is essential in order
to prevent further spread of the desease and to restore a normal
pelvic anatomy, as well as to prevent fertility problems.
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How
Can Endometriosis Be Detected?
Ultrasound scans can detect the presence of endometriomas [chocolate
cysts] in the ovaries, yet cannot detect much smaller modular lesions
on the abdominal wall. Physical exams by an experienced gynecologist
can detect such subtle signs of endometriosis as: retroverted uterus,
painful nodularities on the posterior cul de sac or uterosacral
ligaments. Often, patients need to be examined during their periods
in order to catch more signs of endometriosis. Typically, diagnostic
laparoscopy
is the definitive way endometriosis and its extent is diagnosed.
Laparascopy is usually both a diagnostic and therapeutic outpatient
surgical procedure, which is performed by inserting a small fiberoptic
telescope into the abdomen to look for endometriosis, scars and
adhesions. |
How
Can Dr. Kanayama's Unique Treatment Techniques Help You?
Through years of experience in treating endometriosis patients,
Dr.
Kanayama developed his unique techniques to completely dissect
and excise endometriosis implants by using fine rotating scissors,
instead of the traditional laser coagulation method [see:
Advanced Laparoscopy]. Based on the findings and treatment data
from laparascopy, he creates individualized post-operative care
plans and hormonal treatments for each patient. |
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