The surgical management of endometriosis

Endometriosis as a disease is characterized by the presence of glandular and stromal tissue in areas outside the uterus. It occurs most frequently in the pelvic organs and peritoneum and is prevalent in 2.5-3.3% of women in the reproductive age. The presence and amount of ectopic endometrium does not however necessarily correlate with the patient's symptoms, indeed she may have significant endometriosis and be asymtomatic. Treatment of endometriosis requires the surgical removal of the ectopic endometrial tissue. This is best achieved by laparoscopy.