ENDOMETRIOSIS

EXCISION

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease in which cells similar to those that line the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grow outside the uterus. The severity of endometriosis can range from mild to severe. It can affect any areas of the abdomen and pelvis, such as the ovaries, uterus, bowel, bladder, liver, diaphragm, and abdominal wall. There are also cases of endometriosis involving areas such as the lungs. In severe cases, extensive scarring and distortion of normal anatomy may occur. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, painful periods, painful intercourse, heavy or irregular periods, infertility, gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, painful bowel movements, urinary symptoms including painful urination and urinary frequency and burning, and general fatigue/malaise. Infertility can also be a concern.

Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause for the endometriosis is not known. There are several theories but likely the cause is multifactorial. Endometriosis may be inherited genes that run in families.

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Your gynecologist will ask you about general health and symptoms, as well as perform a pelvic examination. An ultrasound scan or MRI may also be performed.

Excision of Endometriosis

Excision (removal) of endometriosis is a surgery indicated for the treatment of endometriosis where the aim is to preserve fertility.

It can be performed minimally invasively through 2 to 4 tiny incisions using a laparoscope, a slender fiber-optic tube with a camera and light source inserted to provide a clear view of the surgical site, or using the robotic platform. Other surgical instruments are then used to carefully cut and remove the endometriosis lesions, adhesions and ovarian cysts.

Alternatively, the robotic platform is yet another surgical tool that allows a surgeon to operate with 3-D vision, using instruments that can move with more degrees of motion than the surgeon’s wrist. With early stage endometriosis, difficulty identifying disease can often be a concern. Three-dimensional visualization and the ability to magnify tissue up to 10-15 times can, therefore, be very beneficial in identifying endometriosis and removing it accordingly. In addition, in cases of complex disease, the robotic technique may allow your doctor to operate in areas that may otherwise be difficult to treat.

Other surgical options for excision of endometriosis involve:

Laparotomy

This involves a larger cut in the abdomen which allows the doctor to reach and remove the endometriosis lesions.

Hysterectomy

This is the removal of the entire uterus. This procedure is done when there is severe damage or scarring involving the uterus, the presence of uterine disease, and only if the patient no longer desires future fertility.

In Office Proceedures

Find out more about how we can help you by visiting our services page.

Patient resources

Doctor
Angela Intili M.D.

Dr. Intili delivered both of my children and hopefully will deliver any future children! We have always felt heard, cared for and important in Dr. Intili’s care. She is thorough and personal in her care, remembering our concerns and needs whether in the office or on the labor & delivery floor at the hospital! She goes above & beyond for her patients and I am always happy to be in her care!

Elizabeth

Frequently asked
questions

What Insurance does your practice take?
Some insurance companies we accept: BlueCross Blue Shield PPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence EPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence St. Joe’s HMO, BlueCross Blue Shield Silver Cross HMO, Aetna PPO (Choice POS), Cigna PPO (Open Access), United Health Care PPO (Choice Plus) and Humana PPO (Open Access)
What office procedures do you perform in the office?
The following are performed at our office: Leep Procedure, Colposcopy Procedure, Cryosurgery  and  Endometrial  ablation  via  novasure ,  and  hysteroscopy
Is your practice able to do OB Ultrasound at the office?
We  perform  obstetrical  ultrasounds  and  gynecological
Which hospital(s) are you affiliated with?
Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital
Which hospitals do Dr Angela Intili deliver at?

Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital

Is Dr Angela Intil a Sole Practitioner?

Yes  ,  I have  been  solo practitioner  since  1994

Do you perform Gynecological Ultrasounds?

Yes

How often do I need a pap smear?
New guidelines  are 3-5  years,  however  a  pelvic  exam  may  be  needed  every year
At what age do I need a pap smear?
21  years  old
What age is menopause?
A median  age  of  menopause  is  54 years  old.  Perimenopause  may  begin 5-7 years earlier  ,  presents  with  irregular menses,  hot  flashes,  irritability    due  to  the  lack  of  progesterone ,  at  times  progesterone  supplement  may  improve  some of  these  symptoms
Are there conservative measures for hot flashes?

At  times  over  the  counter  supplement  may help,  however  some  contains  soy  which  should  be  avoided  in  women with  hormonal  related  cancers

How safe is hormonal replacement therapy?
There are  clear  benefits  to  hormonal  replacement  therapy ,  decreasing  the  risk of  cardiac  heart  disease,  osteoporosis,  and cognition. These  benefits are  present  within  the first  5  years of menopause.