Advance Women's Health Institute Michael L. Moore, M.D. 425 S Cherry St Suite 907 Denver, CO 80246 USA Office: 303.321.2255 Toll Free: 1.800.577.4295 Fax: 303.321.0856		View a Topic: __________________________________ Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Fibroid Tumors Endometriosis Chronic Pelvic Pain Pelvic Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Infertility Hormone Replacement Therapy How is endometriosis diagnosed? How many women get endometriosis? How is endometriosis diagnosed? Clinical symptoms, in the absence of other diagnoses such as fibroids, are considered sufficient for discussion and initiation of medical therapy. Endoscopic visual diagnose is still considered standard, however biopsy confirmation is recommended by many, especially in complicated cases of pelvic pain. There are two ways to diagnosis of endometriosis. They are transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy and transabdominal Laparoscopy Transvaginal Hydrolaparoscopy (THL) - This procedure can be performed in the doctor's office with only minimal pain medication and no abdominal incisions. Most patients receive oral sedation 40-50 minutes before and would have the procedure again with the same protocol. The woman rests comfortably on an exam table with legs in holding supports. Local numbing medication is given and the scope inserted just beneath the intersection between the back of the cervix and the vagina. Injection of local is typically worse than introduction of the scope. The patient can see to her anatomy on the monitor and ask questions during the entire procedure which takes about 30 minutes. Saline solution is infused into the pelvis and causes the bowel float up and out of the way making it easy to see the ovaries, tubes, and pelvic side walls. Return to top Laparoscopy - This requires small incisions in the abdomen so a scope can be inserted through the belly button to diagnose or treat endometriosis. A diagnostic laparoscopy can be with IV sedation in the office. Operative laparoscopy requires general anesthesia. Return to top How many women get endometriosis? Available reports suggest that, possibly, endometriosis is a common occurrence and may establish itself in as many as 50% of women, when visual diagnosis is standard for evaluation. Other authors have concluded 10-15% of women have endometriosis. Biopsy diagnosis is best. The condition appears to have some genetic predisposition, but other factor may play a roll. Endometriosis is more common in Caucasian women than other ethnic groups. Return to top Welcome l Minimally Invasive Surgery l Services & Care l Clinical Trials Insurance and Terms l Home l Contact Us Copyright © 2001-2003 Advanced Women's Health Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.