Endometriosis Above the Belt: A Life-Changing Conversation With Dr. Francesco Di Chiara

Send us a text with a question or thought on this episode ( We cannot replay from this link)Dr. Francesco Di Chiara, a leading consultant thoracic surgeon at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, shares his expertise on thoracic endometriosis - when endometriosis affects the chest cavity, diaphragm and lungs. He illuminates the challenges patients face with this often-overlooked manifestation of endometriosis that can cause collapsed lungs, shoulder pain, and breathing difficulties.• Thoracic endometriosis causes symptoms including pneumothorax (collapsed lung), shoulder pain, hemoptysis (coughing blood), effusions and hemothorax• 90% of patients with thoracic endometriosis first see orthopedic surgeons for shoulder pain before correct diagnosis• Symptoms are often "self-limiting" which leads to medical dismissal since they temporarily resolve after each cycle• Imaging challenges include MRI movement artifacts and that lesions are often thinner than MRI resolution capabilities• Surgical excision involves a thoracoscopic or robotic approach with most complex procedures involving the diaphragm• Diaphragmatic surgery requires special consideration for patients planning pregnancy due to added strain on surgically repaired tissues• Multi-disciplinary care is crucial with thoracic surgeons involved early rather than being called in only after discovery during gynecological surgery• Dr. Di Chiara classifies thoracic endometriosis lesions in a color spectrum from pink (superficial) to white (scarred) with purple and brown in between• Thoracic surgeons with endometriosis expertise are rare - patients should seek high-volume centers with established multidisciplinary teamsIf you suspect thoracic endometriosis, seek out high-volume endometriosis centers that work directly with thoracic surgeons, and insist on meeting your entire surgical team before committing to treatment.Support the showWebsite endobattery.comInstagram: EndoBattery