Dr. Jurģis Vītols at the European Endometriosis Congress in Italy

Dr. Jurģis Vītols has returned from Bologna, Italy, where the 8th European Endometriosis Congress took place from April 23–25. This event is held every two years and brings together specialists from around the world. The congress covers both well-established and the latest topics in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Endometriosis patient associations also participate, and a dedicated session is held on doctor-patient collaboration, with both sides present. Honest and open doctor-patient cooperation ensures the best outcomes.

Key takeaways from the congress by Dr. Jurģis Vītols:

A high-quality gynecological sonography is the foundation upon which all further patient care is built. Accurate mapping of endometriosis extent will allow for a proper care plan and will ensure a treatment process with fewer surprises for both the patient and the doctor. Ideally, the operating physician should be able to perform the sonography themselves and evaluate MRI images.

Endometriosis treatment should be carried out by experienced specialists at dedicated centers, where an endometriosis patient is not a rare case, but an everyday core subject.

• Great attention must be paid to the treatment of endometriosis cysts — the patient's fertility must be protected.

• The latest technologies, such as robotic surgery, are not a guarantee of a better outcome. The result is still determined by the quality of the doctor's work, performed at the right time and place.

• Each patient requires an individual care plan with specific goals. It is most likely in this area that a major leap is expected in the future, where specific analysis will help select the most appropriate treatment method for each patient.