Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition that occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterus—grows outside the uterus. These growths, often referred to as endometrial implants or lesions, can be found on pelvic organs, the abdominal wall, and in more complex cases, even outside the abdominal cavity.
This condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility, pelvic pain, and surgical intervention.
While endometriosis is commonly thought of as affecting only the reproductive organs, it can manifest in diverse and deeply invasive ways.
It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of disease. Some patients with severe endometriosis may have minimal symptoms, while others with minor lesions may experience debilitating pain.
Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is a highly complex form of the disease where lesions penetrate more than 5mm below the peritoneal surface, the lining of the abdominal cavity. Unlike superficial endometriosis, DIE can involve multiple organs and anatomical structures, including the bowel rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, bowel, bladder, ureters, and even the diaphragm. DIE is often associated with severe pain and functional symptoms, such as painful bowel movements, urinary urgency, and deep pelvic pain.
Dr. Meyer uses advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques to perform complete excision of deep lesions while preserving fertility and organ function whenever possible. His multidisciplinary approach involves close collaboration with colorectal, urologic, and thoracic surgeons for optimal outcomes.
Ureteral endometriosis occurs when lesions grow around or within the ureter—the thin tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. Left untreated, it can cause ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney), or even loss of kidney function. Because ureteral endometriosis is often silent, it may go undiagnosed until advanced imaging or surgical exploration is performed.
Dr. Meyer uses nerve-sparing and fertility-preserving techniques to fully excise ureteral endometriosis while preserving ureteral function. When necessary, he coordinates care with urology colleagues for ureteral reconstruction or stenting.
Bladder endometriosis is one of the most common forms of urinary tract involvement and may affect the muscular or mucosal layers of the bladder. Lesions in the bladder can lead to cyclic urinary pain, hematuria, and urinary frequency that worsens around the menstrual cycle.
Dr. Meyer offers precise, minimally invasive excision of bladder lesions, working with urologists when necessary to preserve bladder integrity and reduce recurrence.
In rare cases, endometrial implants can spread to the diaphragm or the thoracic cavity. This condition is known as diaphragmatic or thoracic endometriosis, and it can cause cyclic chest pain, shoulder pain, or even catamenial pneumothorax (lung collapse during menstruation).
Thoracic endometriosis requires a specialized, multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Meyer works closely with thoracic surgeons to safely remove lesions via minimally invasive laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery. Identifying this rare subtype early is critical to preventing complications and ensuring long-term relief.
There is no single non-invasive test that definitively diagnoses endometriosis. However, Dr. Meyer combines clinical evaluation, detailed symptom history, pelvic exam, and advanced imaging such as:
Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for both diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Meyer performs advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery with the goal of complete excision and histologic confirmation of disease.
What sets Dr. Meyer apart is his focus on:
Patients benefit from reduced pain, improved fertility outcomes, and significantly lower recurrence rates when surgery is done properly the first time.
You may benefit from a consultation with Dr. Meyer if you:
Endometriosis is real, it’s treatable, and you deserve expert care. If you’re ready for answers, Dr. Raanan Meyer offers a compassionate, surgical approach grounded in evidence and experience.
