Associate Professor Tsaltas Explains Bowel/Colorectal Endometriosis

What is 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

How is bowel/colorectal endometriosis diagnosed?

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.

How is bowel/colorectal endometriosis surgically treated?

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.