• Your surgeon is highly experienced, and is required to perform a minimum of 100 procedures annually
• You will have the benefit of any support services needed
• We only use state-of-the-art equipment and are governed by guidelines of minimum requirement for equipment and surgical instruments
• You’ll feel safe knowing that both our hospital and gynaecological surgeons are committed to excellence through annual credentialing and inspections

Your treatment journey starts once you meet with one of ourexperienced and supportive endometriosis specialists. They’ll develop a planfor managing your symptoms and reducing their impact on your daily life.Treatment options depend on a range of factors, including the extent of thedisease and your desire to have children.

Surgery aims to diagnose the condition, remove endometriosis, endometriomas (chocolate cysts) and adhesions, repair any damage and improve your fertility. Sometimes other surgeons will be involved if there is endometriosis in the bladder or bowel.

Surgical methods used to treat endometriosis at Gold Coast Private Hospital include:

• Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery can diagnose and treat endometriosis – usually simultaneously.
• Laparotomy – an abdominal cut is used to cut out or burn tissue or cysts. This is major surgery and occasionally done if your condition is not suitable for laparoscopy.
• Bowel surgery may be necessary if endometriosis has involved or developed within the bowel wall.
• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be an option if endometriosis is significantly impacting your quality of life and other treatments haven’t worked. Hysterectomy might not cure the symptoms or the disease.

Most women experience pain relief following surgery. Up to 30% may have recurrence within two years of surgery. Taking oral contraceptive pills or other medications after having surgery may help extend the pain-free period.

Your treatment isn’t just about surgery, but to do with helping you live the life you want.

Other treatments available include:

Pain management – most women can manage their pain with a plan of analgesia, hormonal suppression and self-care.

Multi-disciplinary support – provided by a team that includes psychologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, pain physicians and a GP who can all provide care for the long-term.

Lifestyle therapies – some women find that eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management techniques help to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Natural therapies may also help some women. Your healthcare team can assist you with these options.

Not all woman with endometriosis experience fertility issues. In fact many will fall pregnant without fertility treatment. However there are many things to consider to get the optimal treatment for endometriosis-related fertility. This includes your personal preference, your age, your ovarian reserve and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

IVF is an established treatment for endometriosis-related infertility. Generally speaking, if pregnancy does not happen within 12 months after surgical treatment of endometriosis, fertility treatment with IVF should be considered. To manage endometriosis-related subfertility we generally recommend engaging a multidisciplinary team including a fertility specialist. In addition we usually recommend IVF treatment if the fallopian tubes are blocked or if there are other fertility challenges including sperm abnormalities.

Even if endometrioma cysts are present you can still consider IVF treatment. However, there is an increased risk of developing a pelvic infection after transvaginal egg collection. We recommend an endometriotic cyst over 3-4cm is surgically removed before IVF.