Treating the Chocolate Cyst (Endometriosis) With Robotic Surgery
Operations are performed at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital with the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Request an AppointmentEndometriosis, also known popularly as chocolate cyst, is the presence of the tissue known as the ‘endometrium’, which lines the inside of the uterus, in other organs outside the uterus. This tissue, which forms the uterine wall, can be found outside the uterus most often in the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the intestines, the bladder, the ureters and the peritoneal membrane that covers the internal organs.
More rarely it can also be seen in organs outside the abdominal cavity. During menstruation the bleeding that arises from the endometrial tissue inside the uterus is expelled, but the bleeding that occurs in the endometriosis foci in other areas accumulates. The cysts containing the dark-coloured fluid that results from this accumulation are called chocolate cysts. The blood that remains inside the cyst resembles melted chocolate.
Symptoms of the Chocolate Cyst
The most common symptom of the chocolate cyst is pain in the groin region. Particularly during menstruation, much more severe pain and cramps than normal may be seen. These pains tend to continue after the menstrual period. In addition to this, there are also symptoms such as pain during sexual intercourse, difficulty when going to the toilet and excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Another important complaint associated with the chocolate cyst is infertility. Along with these, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea and a constant feeling of fatigue may also be seen with the chocolate cyst. Physical examination and various imaging methods are used to diagnose the chocolate cyst. The definitive diagnosis of the chocolate cyst is made with laparoscopy. With laparoscopy, the endometrial tissue located outside the uterus is examined with a camera inserted into the body through a small incision.
The Advantage of Robotic Surgery in the Chocolate Cyst
As in many other fields, robotic surgery also has important advantages in the treatment of the chocolate cyst. With robotic surgery, the lesions are observed far more clearly with a three-dimensional image magnified 16 times. Because the operating area can be visualised in detail, abnormal tissue can be removed more definitively.
Because the robot arms have the ability to move in 7 different directions and at a 540-degree angle, these endometriosis lesions are removed completely without damaging the neighbouring organs. After this operation, which is performed through incisions smaller than 1 cm, patients feel less pain and return to their lives more quickly after a rapid recovery. Months after the operation these scars heal completely and reach a level that cannot be seen by the eye.
Let’s decide on the right approach for you together
After your examination and imaging, we will discuss clearly whether robotic surgery is suitable for you.