Associate Professor Tsaltas Explains Bowel/Colorectal Endometriosis
Affecting 5-12% of women with endometriosis, bowel/colorectal endometriosis is where the cells of the uterus lining live and grow in one or more of the following areas:
• Recto/sigmoid region
• The caecum
• Appendix
The best way to diagnose this serious condition is via laparoscopy. However, ultrasound is also increasingly being used to help diagnose and define the extent of the lesions.
As a specialist in bowel/colorectal endometriosis, many patients come to me after they have been diagnosed with the condition by another doctor.
Surgery for bowel endometriosis is very complex and is only performed by a few surgeons in Australia and overseas. The decision to have this surgery should not be taken lightly and should only be made after lengthy discussions and assessment.
The procedure requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving both a gynaecologist and colorectal surgeon. I work with Mr Rod Woods (Head of Colorectal Surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital) to perform this highly specialised surgery.