Endometriosis is a chronic, progressive gynecological condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterine cavity. It most commonly occurs on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and within the pelvis, and in rarer cases it may affect other organs. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of adhesions.
The disease can significantly impair quality of life and often develops gradually, which means that several years may pass between the first symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis. For this reason, endometriosis is considered one of the most commonly underdiagnosed gynecological conditions.
Symptoms of endometriosis can range from mild to severe and most commonly include painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), as well as pain during urination or bowel movements. Some patients may also experience difficulty conceiving or infertility.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and gynecological examination, while high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound plays a key role in detecting endometriotic lesions. In more complex cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required to assess the extent of the disease. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard, as it allows for both definitive diagnosis and surgical treatment during the same procedure.
Treatment of endometriosis at IMC Priora is tailored to each patient based on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, and reproductive goals. While medical therapy may be effective in certain cases, moderate to severe forms of endometriosis often require surgical treatment.
Surgical management is based on minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and Da Vinci robotic surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove endometriotic lesions and adhesions while preserving healthy tissue, surrounding organs, and reproductive function whenever possible.
The advantages of robotic surgery include enhanced precision, superior visualization of the surgical field, reduced postoperative pain, less blood loss, and faster recovery, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
Dimitrije Milojković, dr. med.
MEDICAL TEAM