Ioannis Raptis
MIC II, DEGUM I, AGUB I
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
Ioannis Raptis served as Head of the Endometriosis Center (Endometriosezentrum) at the German academic hospital AKH Hagen and is a certified physician (MIC II qualification) accredited by the German Society for Gynecological Endoscopy (AGE) to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures of high complexity.
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Treatment for Endometriosis
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterine cavity—in areas outside the uterus. Common sites where endometriotic lesions are found include the inner surface of the abdomen, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterine ligaments, and other locations.
Unlike the endometrium, which is shed from the body each month during menstruation, endometriotic lesions have no outlet. Therefore, if left untreated, they usually enlarge, spread, and may negatively affect the patient’s health.
What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
There are many symptoms that may indicate the presence of endometriosis, with pain being the common denominator. The intensity and nature of the pain vary and are not always proportional to the severity of the condition. Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis include:
- Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms during menstruation (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Menstrual bleeding disorders (in cases of endometriosis of the uterine wall – adenomyosis)
- Infertility
It is important to note that endometriosis may be present in a patient even in the absence of symptoms.
How Does Laparoscopy Function as a Treatment for Endometriosis?
When conservative methods (painkillers, contraceptives) are insufficient, when infertility is present, or when an organ (e.g., ovaries, bowel, ureters) is affected by endometriosis, surgical treatment is indicated, which nowadays is almost always performed laparoscopically.
Through the endoscopic approach, complete eradication of the disease can be achieved with minimal impact on healthy tissues and maximum safety for the patient. At the same time, recovery is immediate and the aesthetic results are excellent.
In all cases, before any treatment is undertaken, it is essential to establish an individualized therapeutic plan based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and reproductive plans. In endometriosis, more than in any other benign gynecological condition, this treatment plan determines the successful management of the disease.
What Tests Are Required for Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometriosis?
Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis of endometriosis remains a significant issue even today, with the time interval between the first symptom and initial therapeutic intervention often being unjustifiably long.
A specialized physician, based on the patient’s medical history, a targeted clinical examination, and the use of imaging methods (such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and more rarely colonoscopy), can not only establish a strong suspicion of the disease but also determine its extent. This knowledge is crucial for designing the appropriate therapeutic plan and ultimately achieving successful management of endometriosis.
How Is Recovery After Laparoscopic Treatment for Endometriosis Described?
The endoscopic approach ensures minimal burden on the patient, allowing, in the majority of cases, a safe return home on the day of the procedure or, at the latest, the following day.
In rare cases of extensive endometriosis significantly affecting the function of organs such as the bowel and ureters, a more extensive endoscopic procedure may be required, involving physicians from multiple specialties (gynecologist, urologist, general surgeon, etc.). In such cases, the patient is informed in advance that a longer stay at the clinic may be necessary.
Why Choose Laparoscopic Treatment for Endometriosis with Gynecologist Ioannis Raptis?
- Ioannis Raptis
is an accredited physician (MIC II qualification) certified by the German Society for Gynecological Endoscopy (AGE) to perform advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures of high complexity. - He served as Head of the Endometriosis Center (Endometriosezentrum) at the German academic hospital AKH Hagen.
- The doctor is supported by a specialized medical team of permanent collaborators (anesthesiologist, assistant surgeons, nurse).
In the majority of cases, the
patient returns home on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to return to my daily activities after surgery?
Recovery time and return to daily activities depend on both the surgical approach and the extent of the procedure. In general, after laparoscopic surgery for mild to moderate endometriosis, the patient can resume daily activities within 48 hours.
More extensive procedures involving organs such as the bladder, ureters, and bowel may require a recovery period of up to 10 days.
Similarly, after open surgery for advanced endometriosis, the return to normal daily activities may be delayed up to 15–20 days.
When can I return to work and resume physical exercise?
The nature of the patient’s occupation and her individual recovery rate are the main factors determining the timing of return to work after surgery. It is advisable to rest during the first week.
Avoiding work is strongly recommended for at least the first two days following surgery. In cases where work involves physical exertion, strain, or heavy lifting, a leave of absence of approximately 10 days is recommended.
Regarding physical activity and exercise, it is best to avoid them during the first week. However, mobility and walking are encouraged during this period.
A gradual return to more demanding activities, including weight lifting and exercises that increase pressure on the pelvic region, is recommended after two weeks.
Is there a possibility that endometriosis may recur?
There is always a risk of recurrence, even after complete surgical excision of endometriosis. For this reason, following surgery for moderate to advanced disease, specialized hormonal therapy is usually recommended to minimize this risk.
Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support this. However, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the disease tends to slow down significantly due to hormonal changes.
Can a woman have endometriosis without any symptoms?
Yes. In many cases, endometriosis may be completely asymptomatic and is often discovered incidentally during surgery or during the investigation of infertility.
MEDIA
According to the scientific standards
of the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
