Endometriosis affects an estimated 200 million women all over the world. If you’re among these women with pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding, seek the expert care of Dr. Khashayar Shakiba of Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey. He is one of the experts in the region on endometriosis and has published extensively about the condition. If you live in Hackensack, New Jersey, or the surrounding area, call the office or book online to learn more about endometriosis diagnosis and management.
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining, known as endometrial tissue, grows outside of the uterus. The tissue is found attached to any of the reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. In rare cases, the endometrial tissue can extend to the bowel, rectum, lungs, diaphragm, or liver.
Endometriosis usually affects women between the ages of 25 and 35. The symptoms include:
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but a strongly supported theory looks at the dysfunction of the endometrial tissue. This glandular tissue protects the inside of the uterus and helps support the pregnancy. When a woman has a fertilized egg, the tissue turns thick and sticky to catch the egg, but if no egg comes the tissue breaks down and releases from your body as menstrual bleeding. But if this tissue doesn’t leave the body, it travels to other areas – including the reproductive organs – to create endometrial implants.
Dr. Shakiba reviews your entire health history and your family history. He also assesses your symptoms and performs a comprehensive physical and pelvic exam. No specific test for endometriosis exists, but Dr. Shakiba may also order an ultrasound of the pelvic region to see if there are any growths outside of the uterus.
The most accurate way to diagnose endometriosis is with a diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy. During this minimally invasive surgical procedure, Dr. Shakiba uses small incisions and instruments to confirm the presence of endometriosis and perform a biopsy of the tissue.
When endometriosis is affecting your quality of life and ability to have children, Dr. Shakiba recommends endometriosis surgery. This minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery involves excision so your pain becomes manageable and infertility is often corrected. Dr. Shakiba is an expert in performing this surgery, which requires small incisions, thus limiting the loss of blood, minimizing nerve damage, and reducing the risk of injury to surrounding organs. He uses the da VinciⓇ surgical system, which involves tiny instruments controlled by a console in the operating room to provide him with greater ability and you with superior results.
For evaluation and treatment of endometriosis, call Women's Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey or book an appointment online.
