Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is glandular cells similar to the lining of the uterus and a supporting stromal cell, and these cells can be located anywhere in the body.  These cells can be in the uterus called Adenomyosis. They can be on the uterus. They can be on and in the bladder. They can be on and in the ovaries/tubes.  They can be on and in the bowel. When an abnormal appearing appendix is removed 30% are found to have endometriosis, along with other appendix abnormalities, They can be found in lymph nodes, the liver, the diaphragm, the lungs, and some cases have been found in the brain.  Endometriosis is not cancer, but it interferes with women’s lives. Think of endometriosis in a similar manner as an ingrown hair or splinter. The cells are part of the woman’s body, but causes severe inflammation.

Endometriosis grows with hormones.  Many experts suggest estrogen is the culprit for the growth of endometriosis, but Dr Dulemba has been gathering his data for years, and has realized in the majority of cases both hormones cause the growth, and then progesterone is the next most common hormone stimulator.  Dr Dulemba will discuss these issues at length during his consultations.

Why did I get endometriosis?

Dr Dulemba’s opinion is that endometriosis is an immune system disease (not autoimmune), and the woman’s immune system is dysfunctional.  It appears that women with endometriosis are more likely to have hypothyroidism, allergies, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Interstitial Cystitis.  

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Some endometriosis may be asymptomatic, but when symptoms are present, they can include:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Blood in urine or stool
• Infertility
• Painful intecourse
• Lower back pain with periods
• Loose stools with periods
• Painful bowel movements with periods
• Leg pain with periods
• Deflating lung with periods
• Coughing blood with periods
• Any symptom that seems to be related to the period
• Chronic (all the time pain) may be related to adhesions

How do doctors diagnose endometriosis?

Nurse practitioner Amy Dean and Dr. John Dulemba at The Women’s Centre diagnose endometriosis based on your symptoms and history, a pelvic examination, and a problem focused ultrasound. For a definitive diagnosis, Dr. Dulemba conducts a surgical procedure called robot laparoscopy to visualize your pelvic organs.

How do doctors treat endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be cured, but not in all cases. Surgical removal (excision) is the gold standard for removal of endometriosis.  Hormonal therapy is not a cure or actual treatment. It may mask symptoms, but the disease will not be removed by hormones.

Dr. Dulemba may offer minimally invasive da Vinci robot-assisted surgery to remove endometriosis. The da Vinci system features a tiny camera that transmits 3D images and highly flexible surgical instruments that permit Dr. Dulemba to remove even the smallest amounts of endometrial tissue or, if needed, perform a hysterectomy.

Dr Dulemba has published several papers showing that more endometriosis may be visualized and removed using the Davinci robot surgery when compared to standard laparoscopy.  

If you think you have endometriosis and you’re ready for relief with Dr. Dulemba,  you can reach him by calling the helpful staff at The Women’s Centre or using the online appointment form.