Japanese Translation

Introduction

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which induces a chronic, inflammatory reaction. The condition is predominantly found in women of reproductive age, from all ethnic and social groups.

The associated symptoms can impact on general physical, mental and social well being. Therefore, it is vital to take careful note of the woman's complaints, and to give her time to express her concerns and anxieties as in other chronic conditions. Some women, however, have no symptoms at all.

Treatment must be individualised, taking the clinical problem in its entirety into account, including the impact of the disease and the effect of its treatment on quality of life.

Pain symptoms may persist despite seemingly adequate medical and/or surgical treatment of the disease. In such circumstances, a multi-disciplinary approach involving a pain clinic and counselling should be considered early in the treatment plan.

It is also important to involve the woman in all decisions; to be flexible in diagnostic and therapeutic thinking; to maintain a good relationship with the woman, and to seek advice where appropriate from more experienced colleagues or refer the woman to a centre with the necessary expertise to offer all available treatments in a multi-disciplinary context, including advanced laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy.