WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1997: Re: What is Endometriosis and is there a cure?

Re: What is Endometriosis and is there a cure?

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 30 May 1997 16:31:41 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Maureen: "Re: What is Endometriosis and is there a cure?"

At Thu, 29 May 1997, Maureen wrote: >
><<Hysterectomy is an extremist treatment.>> Here he is again!!!!!!!!

I can't speak for Dr. Cristalli, but I strongly suspect he meant something akin to "hysterectomy is an extreme treatment," and in my opinion, he's exactly right. Hysterectomy is *the* most extreme treatment for this condition, but, unfortunately, sometimes this is necessary to alleviate the pain.

I'll never forget a 32 year-old patient of mine with endometriosis that failed every possible laparoscopic and medical treatment, including extended GnRH agonist therapy. She had not had intercourse with her husband for about a year due to severe pain from the endometriosis. She already had 2 kids, and after a great deal of discussion, *we* decided to proceed with a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy. She phoned me a few days before her 6-week post-operative appointment to tell me that they had "broken down" and tried to have intercourse. I asked her if it hurt, and she replied "well, a little bit the first time, but not at all the next 5"! Every gynecologist I know has a similar success story. The trick is to exhaust all medical and "minor" surgical therapies before resorting to a major operation.

I suspect that what Dr. Cristalli meant (please note that he is from France, and while he has an outstanding command of English there are still sometimes subtle language differences)is that while we try to avoid major surgery for this condition, that sometimes it's necessary in order to cure this frustrating disease.

Thank you,

--
Ashley Hill
D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
Assistant Director, Department of Ob/Gyn
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
dahmd@gate.net

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In reply to: Maureen: "Re: What is Endometriosis and is there a cure?"

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