Rectovaginal septum

[Caitlynf]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me if endometriosis in the rectovaginal septum can be diagnosed through colonoscopy?

I am due to have a colonoscopy on Monday 20th, and had asked for my consultants letter, it says they want to look for endometriosis in the rectovaginal septum, but I don't understand how this can be done through a colonoscopy?

Thanks.

C x

[Sarahjane1967]

Hi Hun, I had that, they are losing to see if any endo is invading the wall of the colon, to the extent that it could not be excised and would need a small disc removing, or even a small section of the colon in order to get rid of the endo.

It's very worth while doing it for precise diagnosis and it's the best, most specialised approach. I had endo removed in keyhole surgery from my colon as well as many other places after a colonoscopy to confirm whether it had invaded the bowel. It hasn't but was compressing it and causing horrible pain, constipation etc. They shaved it off with a scalpel, so no resection was necessary.

Have you had a colonoscopy before Hun? Xx

[Sarahjane1967]

It's really not too bad, bit uncomfortable, but ask for the sedative - it doesn't put you to sleep, it just zones you out and I was offered gas and air during (obv I said yes please!!)

The worst bit is the prep you have to drink the night before - made me sick and very shaky. Start drinking it earlier than advised as it takes ages to get it down and by the time you're done, it's 4am!!! The actual effect it has isn't too bad either, in the grand scheme of things!! Hope all goes well xx