Endometriosis

Dr. Arrington has had special fellowship training in excisional treatment of endometriosis including involvement in bowel, bladder, ureters and the deep pelvis.

Endometriosis is a disease where the lining cells of the uterine cavity are found outside the uterus. They can be found around the pelvis and abdomen. Most endometriosis is superficial and treated easily. Most gynecologists are trained to treat simple forms of endometriosis.

Some types of endometriosis are more aggressive and invasive. This is know as deep, infiltrating endometriosis. This type of endometriosis can cause severe adhesions between the pelvic organs including uterus, ovaries, bowel and bladder. It can also grow into the bowel, bladder, cervix and pelvic sidewall. Most general gynecologists are not trained to surgically treat this type of endometriosis and it cannot be treated by "lasering". When this type of endometriosis is treated with "lasering" only the superficial disease is treated and the more invasive disease is left behind.

If severe endometriosis is suspected or found, taking the time to find a surgeon experienced in treating endometriosis around and invading the bowel, bladder, ureters and vagina is imperative. When invasive endometriosis is found many patients are told that all they can do is use Lupron or other medicines and pain killers. Choosing the right surgeon can make all the difference with severe endometriosis.

In many cases of endometriosis it is difficult to predict the severity of the disease prior to surgery. As you are considering choosing a gynecologist ask how they treat endometriosis found around or in the bowel, bladder and pelvic sidewall. Make sure your surgeon is capable of treating whatever stage of endometriosis is present or one who is willing to refer to a specialist if it is beyond their skill level to treat.