Endometrium and Endometriosis [Hardcover]

Michael P Diamond (Editor), KG Osteen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 7, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0865425027 | ISBN-13: 978-0865425026

This book summarizes the recent clinical and basic scientific advances made in understanding the normal physiology of endometrium and endometriotic implants. It compares properties of endometrium and endometriosis and correlates these with clinical diagnosis, therapies, and therapeutic implications. Coverage includes normal and adnormal endometrium, the clinical appearances of endometriosis, treatment strategies, imaging techniques, and the role of ARI.

Editorial Reviews

From The New England Journal of Medicine

Endometriosis is one of the great enigmas in gynecology. Researchers have been studying this disorder for more than a century, and in the past three decades more than 6000 articles on the subject have been published. Recently, the International Endometriosis Society was christened at the Sixth Biennial World Congress on Endometriosis. Clearly, the disease has captured the imagination of clinicians and researchers alike. Behind these facts, however, lies the sad truth: we know little about endometriosis and associated disorders. Experts frequently disagree on how to define the disease, how to diagnose it, and what the most effective therapy is. Definite answers in this arena are hard to come by.

Nonetheless, the disease itself is real and of astounding magnitude. Tens of millions of women worldwide are known to be afflicted with endometriosis, and in millions more it remains undiagnosed. Approximately $10 billion is spent in the United States alone for annual care directly related to the disease; indirect costs may dwarf this number. Yet the length of time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis remains frightfully long -- currently estimated at 8 to 10 years. A general lack of understanding of endometriosis is epidemic in the medical community. Many family physicians and obstetrician-gynecologists are reticent to even attempt to make the diagnosis, and once it has been made, they may offer treatment options that have long been proved ineffective.

Endometrium and Endometriosis is one of a number of textbooks published in the past five years that attempt to bring together, in one volume, the most recent information about endometriosis from both basic and clinical science. This book first covers the biology of the endometrium and then contrasts it with what is known about the biology of endometriosis. The symptoms and signs of the disorder are covered, as well as the science associated with identifying a link between cause and effect. In addition, diagnostic approaches are reviewed and critiqued, and treatment approaches are evaluated in detail. Finally, a discussion of alternative medical approaches is given substantial space in this book. Clearly, the editors have tried to be as comprehensive as possible.

The basic scientist will appreciate the comprehensive coverage of many topics that are not part of traditional discussions of endometriosis but are nonetheless central to the research community. Chapters on the biology of implantation, integrins, growth factors, and the peritoneal environment will be critical to young investigators hoping to generate hypotheses from the book. Clinicians will enjoy the many chapters on diagnosis and treatment, all written in a concise and easily digestible fashion.

The book, however, is not without its shortcomings. The organization of the chapters is at best haphazard, with no themes linking groups of chapters. Thus, two chapters on growth factors are numbered 18 and 41; in fact, basic-science chapters are scattered almost randomly throughout the book. In addition, there is unnecessary duplication of several topics. Surgical therapy, immunology, implantation biology, and the use of assisted reproductive techniques could all have been covered in a more concise manner. Unnecessary material is also included, with the prime example being several chapters on endometrial ablation. Finally, in this era of evidence-based medicine, it is disappointing that many chapters are unencumbered by data, much less high-quality data, and contain unsupported pronouncements in their conclusions. To highlight this pitfall, there is a paucity of chapters that summarize the results of various diagnostic or therapeutic approaches and suggest algorithms for management.

Today, endometriosis is an enigmatic disease; to change this reality for the future, a great deal of work will need to be done. High on the list is the need for an exchange of information among researchers and clinicians who are already knowledgeable about the disease as well as physicians who are poorly educated about it. This book will certainly aid the process, providing an important resource for readers seeking up-to-date information about this devastating illness.

Reviewed by David L. Olive, M.D.
Copyright © 1998 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

From the Back Cover

This book summarizes the recent clinical and basic science advances made in understanding the normal physiology of endometrium and endometriotic implants. It will compare properties of endometrium and endometriosis and correlate these with clinical diagnosis, therapies, and therapeutic implications. Coverage will include normal and adnormal endometrium, the clinical appearances of

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (November 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865425027
• ISBN-13: 978-0865425026
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,706,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)