Endometriosis - a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows in other abdominal locations - is one of the most common causes of severe period pain, pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding in women. Untreated, it may result in long-term complications such as pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts and infertility. At times, bowel, bladder, and ureters may also be damaged.

Although medical options are available for some women, laparoscopy is always needed to confirm the diagnosis and often surgical intervention -- by removing the endometriotic implants, ovarian cysts and repairing tubal damage -- usually produces immediate results in terms of pain relief and improved fertility.

This major new book, written by an internationally recognized team of experts, covers the full range of surgical interventions for diagnosing and treating endometriosis.