Spital Männedorf

Every tenth woman of childbearing age suffers from symptoms caused by endometriosis. The WHO estimates that around 190 million women are affected (WHO - 2021 Report). Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful disease in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissue islands can occur in various places in the abdomen, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or bladder. Like the lining of the uterus, they react to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle and can bleed during menstruation. This leads to inflammation, pain and adhesions.

• Severe abdominal pain during menstruation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Involuntary childlessness
• Irregular or heavy bleeding, as well as digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation

Diagnosis is a medical challenge, as endometriosis is difficult to detect and can only be determined through many years of experience and a high level of expertise, combined with a detailed medical history and detailed examinations. In addition to gynecological palpation and vaginal ultrasound, more complex procedures such as MRI are often used. The definitive diagnosis is made using minimally invasive laparoscopy.

Drug treatment

• Hormonal therapy in the form of tablets or an IUD to suppress the growth of endometriosis lesions
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication

Additive treatment approaches

• Nutritional therapy: An anti-inflammatory, hormone-regulating diet can alleviate symptoms and strengthen the immune system.
• Physiotherapy and pelvic floor training: to relieve pain and promote mobility.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help to balance hormones and reduce pain.
• Psychological support: Support with the emotional processing of the diagnosis and coping with chronic pain.

In complex cases, surgical therapy is performed to remove the endometriosis lesions. The aim of this therapy is to combat the pain and, in many cases, to facilitate the fulfillment of the desire to have children.

In our endometriosis center we offer the most modern surgical procedures:

• Laparoscopy (laparoscopy): This minimally invasive method makes it possible to precisely remove endometriosis lesions while minimizing scarring and tissue damage.
• Da Vinci surgical system: A robot-assisted procedure, which represents the most modern form of laparoscopic surgery, enables even more precise and gentle removal of endometriosis tissue. It allows precise removal in particularly complex cases in a very confined space.

Many women with endometriosis have difficulties getting pregnant. 40% of cases of involuntary childlessness are due to endometriosis. This can be caused by adhesions in the fallopian tubes, impaired egg quality or hormonal imbalances. An endometriosis center is characterized by close cooperation with reproductive medicine specialists. Our center works closely with Dr. Michael Singer, head of the Gyné invitro IVF laboratory in Küsnacht, who can offer you direct and seamless access to fertility treatment (inseminations, IVF, ICSI, pre-implantation diagnostics) if necessary and desired. If the desire to have children is not yet a priority, it may make sense to freeze unfertilized eggs (social egg freezing).

Our Endometriosis Center focuses on the holistic care of our patients. With state-of-the-art diagnostics, individually tailored therapies and an interdisciplinary team, we accompany you on your way to a better quality of life and, if you wish, to fulfill your desire to have children.

Contact us for a personal consultation.