Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis
Dr Wetherell has a special interest in endometriosis and laparoscopic management of complex cases. She is a Level 6 laparoscopic surgeon – the highest level attainable in Australia, and the world. She is an endometriosis specialist surgeon who dedicates the utmost attention to detail and meticulous surgical technique to all stages of surgical complexity. She ensures everything is done to achieve the best surgical results as possible, translating to optimal symptomatic relief and improved quality of life. After surgery, she ensures ongoing medical and multi-disciplinary management to ensure that improvement in symptoms is ongoing and life-long.
Stage 4 endometriosis with bilateral endometriomas - before surgery
Stage 4 endometriosis after excision
ICG ureter
ICG ureterolysis
Endometriosis of all stages needs to be excised as is gold standard in today’s modern surgical management of endometriosis. Ablation is no longer commonly practiced, and Dr Wetherell certainly only excises endometriosis, unless not surgically able to, which is an uncommon occurrence. With careful dissection of key structures, often the ureter and bowel, endometriosis is able to be excised in it’s entirety safely and accurately.
Use of ICG “green dye” for ureters
Dr Wetherell employs all of the latest technologies, including a recent advent that allows the ureters to safely be visualised throughout the entire surgical case. This is done via cystoscopy and temporary insertion of ureteric catheters to allow injection of indocyanine (ICG) dye “green dye” that makes the ureters glow fluorescent green, when using a specific camera and light lead. She uses these for difficult cases during which it would be pertinent to visualise the ureter to avoid injury. This also allows minimal dissection and tissue handling, without compromising safety. Dr Wetherell would utilise this in cases where the ureter would be difficult to visualise, such as Stage 4 endometriosis, broad ligament or cervical fibroids for myomectomy, or large multifibroid uteri for laparoscopic hysterectomy.