Unfortunately this modality is not as precise as the laser, and therefore cannot be used in areas where it could potentially damage other vital structures. New technological developments are allowing electrical energy to be delivered with greater safety. Currently we are using an Argon Beam Coagulator. This device directs a fine stream of electrons to the tissue and produces the same clinical effects as the best lasers. The more deeply endometriosis invades the tissues the more important it is to cut or excise the implant out rather than to ablate it.
Extensive endometriosis is removed manually with electrical scissors.
The principle of this approach is to excise all the implants whilst attempting to preserve all the normal healthy tissue. Removal of the ovaries and uterus is not usually performed. The advantage of this approach is that every implant can be precisely defined and removed with great precision. The implants themselves can be removed and sent for analysis. Such an operation however is a major surgical undertaking.