GYNECOLOGY

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus, and about 20-40% of women of reproductive age have them. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, but large or multiple fibroids may cause heavy or prolonged periods and pain or pressure in the pelvis. Definitive treatment is achieved only with surgery, such as myomectomy, which removes the fibroids and preserves the uterus, or hysterectomy, which removes the uterus.

Treatment of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts depends on the size of the cyst and the severity of the symptoms. For small or medium-sized cysts that cause no pain, the doctor may recommend simple follow-up with a pelvic ultrasound every few months, as in many cases the cyst disappears on its own. If a cyst is larger than about 10 cm or causes pain and other symptoms, surgical ovarian cyst resection is usually recommended and is performed with laparoscopic or robotic surgery; some cysts can be removed without removing the entire ovary. In general, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts do not have a negative impact on fertility.

Endometriosis is the growth of tissue usually found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside the uterine cavity, for example in the ovaries, the intestine or the abdominal wall. The most common symptom is pain before, during or after menstruation, and pain may also occur during sexual intercourse, urination or bowel movements. An estimated 6-10% of all women have endometriosis. For most women with moderate to severe endometriosis, the most effective treatment is the surgical removal or destruction of the endometrial tissue, which today is more commonly performed laparoscopically or robotically.

The symptoms of gynecological cancer depend on its type. The five main types are endometrial or uterine, cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar cancer. Common symptoms of cervical and endometrial cancer include irregular or abnormal bleeding and pain during intercourse. Ovarian cancer rarely causes symptoms at an early stage, while at a more advanced stage it may cause pain in the pelvis, back or abdomen, bloating and loss of appetite. For the treatment of gynecological cancers, Dr. Konstantinidis and his team use the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system at Athens Medical Center.