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Surgery of endometriosis
diaphragmatic

Diaphragmatic surgery for endometriosis:
to relieve chest pain associated with the disease

Although less common, endometriosis can affect the diaphragm, a muscle essential for breathing, located between the thoracic cavity and the abdomen. This specific location requires specialized management, especially when it leads to chest pain, respiratory disorders or cyclical symptoms.



At IFEM Endo, our multidisciplinary team offers a tailored surgical approach, combining gynecological and thoracic expertise, to improve the comfort of life of the patients concerned.

What are the symptoms of diaphragmatic endometriosis?

This form of endometriosis can manifest as :

  • Chest or shoulder pain, often right-sided, synchronous with menstrual cycle
  • Pain on deep breathing or exertion
  • Breathlessness, shortness of breath
  • More rarely: catamenial pneumothorax (collapse of the lung during menstruation)

These signs may go unnoticed or be confused with other pathologies. Hence the importance of expert assessment.

An often complex but essential diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a detailed analysis of symptoms and a specialized imaging workup:

  • Pelvic and upper abdominal MRI focusing on the diaphragm
  • Chest CT scan or targeted ultrasound, if necessary
  • Multidisciplinary consultation with a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon if necessary

A proper assessment helps determine the extent of the lesions and plan the surgical strategy.

Targeted, conservative laparoscopic surgery

The procedure is generally performed by laparoscopy (minimally invasive approach), under general anesthesia. The aim is to :

  • Remove visible lesions on the diaphragm
  • Preserve respiratory function as far as possible
  • Avoiding recurrences and complications

Depending on the location and depth of the lesions, a thoracic surgeon may be included in the team to ensure safe, comprehensive care.

And after the operation?

Post-operative follow-up includes:

Respiratory monitoring

Careful post-operative observation to ensure proper lung function

Hormonal treatment

Initiation or resumption of background medical treatment to limit recurrences

Personalized follow-up

Comprehensive support including physiotherapy, gynaecological consultations and psychological support if needed

Everything is designed to guarantee a rapid return to respiratory comfort and a lasting improvement in quality of life.

Endometriosis
diaphragmatic
in figures

20-25

patients operated on each year at our facility

86%

of patients have lesions only on the right hemicupola of the diaphragm

90%

of patients are free of right shoulder pain after surgery

Need medical advice?

Do you experience atypical chest or abdominal pain during your period? Has a diagnosis of thoracic endometriosis been suggested?

Make an appointment with the IFEM Endo specialists for a complete assessment and tailored treatment.

Last updated on May 5, 2025 @ 11:48

Post-operative emergency

After your surgery, if you have any concerns after you return home and before your post-operative visit, you can contact us quickly using the form below.

Please use this emergency form only in the immediate post-operative period.


Your doctor? *
Date of your intervention? *

Please explain your problem below:

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Post-operative follow-up

After your surgery and post-operative visit, if you encounter a problem with your treatment or have a question or query, you can contact us quickly using the form below.


Your doctor? *
Date of your intervention? *

Please explain your problem below:

*Mandatory fields.

Make an appointment: patient follow-up

If you have already consulted an IFEM Endo doctor and would like to make a new appointment for your follow-up, you can contact us quickly using the form below.


Your doctor? *
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Contact: Research team

If you wish to contact the research team, please complete this form.

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Contact: Other request

If you would like to contact us for any other inquiries, please complete this form.

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