Dr Charles Badr Nagy Rafael, who works at the Medcare Women & Children Hospital (MWCH) in Dubai has been recognised for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The certificate makes the consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist the second physician in the world to receive the accreditation as a Master Surgeon in Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Care.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) is found elsewhere, usually in the pelvis around the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 women.
Omnia Health Insights sat down with Dr Rafael to get his take on endometriosis care in the region and hear about the latest treatment options for those suffering from the condition.
What are the stages of endometriosis?Â
There are several classifications for endometriosis, the most widely used one is the American society of reproductive medicine ASRM classification, where endometriosis is classified into one of four stages (I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate, and IV-severe) based upon the exact location, extent, and depth of the endometriosis implants as well as the presence and severity of scar tissue and the presence and size of endometrial implants in the ovaries.Â
Does it worsen with age?Â
 Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, that’s why women who have their first menstruation at a young age and menopause at an advanced age are at higher risk. The disease tends to progress with age and causes more symptoms and complications in women in their thirties.Â
What are the emerging and future treatments?Â
In addition to the traditional medical treatments available such as contraceptive pills, progestogens and gonadotrophin agonist injections, there are new medications under research for their effect on endometriosis.
Those treatments such as progesterone receptor modulators (Mifepristone), aromatase inhibitors (Letrozole) and also immunomodulatory medications, all are still within the research context and not yet licensed for use for the treatment of endometriosis patients.Â
The most crucial development in managing endometriosis patients is the establishment of multidisciplinary centres of excellence for integrated management of endometriosis, which has significantly improved outcome for those patients.
Are these available in the UAE yet?Â
All treatment options are available in the UAE, especially the recent establishment of dedicated multidisciplinary centres of excellence for endometriosis care with highly experienced specialists in laparoscopic surgery, colorectal surgeons, urology and pain management specialists.
