Finally pregnant after surgery: Endometriosis – My patient story | Asklepios

Publish date: Medically reviewed by: Dr. Christopher Netsch Author: Hina Munawar

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Overcoming Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids: A Success Story of Fertility and Hope

For many couples, the dream of starting a family is a long-held aspiration that can sometimes feel out of reach due to complex medical hurdles. Ambi Simone Abodjo Kouassi and her husband Roger faced a challenging path characterized by long-term infertility and discouraging diagnoses. This story highlights the intersection of advanced gynecological surgery, empathetic patient care, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Discover how specialized treatment for endometriosis and uterine myomas at the Asklepios Klinik Wandsbek transformed a medical struggle into a miracle of life.

The Initial Struggle with Infertility

Ambi Simone Abodjo Kouassi’s story begins with a common yet deeply personal longing: the desire to have a child. [00:00] Ambi and her husband, Roger, had been trying to conceive for a significant amount of time without success. Infertility can be a silent burden, often accompanied by emotional exhaustion and a sense of helplessness as months turn into years without a positive result.

For Ambi, the journey was not just about the passage of time but also about understanding what was happening within her body. Many women face structural or hormonal issues that remain undiagnosed until they seek specialized help. In this case, the realization that something was medically preventing pregnancy was the first step toward a solution.

Diagnosing Uterine Myomas

Ambi was referred to Dr. Anna Jacob, the Chief of Gynecology at Asklepios Klinik Wandsbek, by her local gynecologist. [00:18] During the initial examinations, a significant discovery was made: a large myoma, or uterine fibroid, located right in the center of the uterus. [00:26]

Understanding the Impact of Myomas on Fertility

Uterine myomas are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. While they are common, their location and size play a critical role in fertility. In Ambi's case, the myoma was positioned so unfavorably that it effectively prevented a successful pregnancy. [00:30]

A central myoma can distort the uterine cavity, interfere with blood flow to the lining, or physically block the implantation of an embryo. For Ambi, the presence of this growth meant that natural conception or even assisted reproduction would be highly unlikely to succeed without surgical intervention.

Unexpected Discoveries: Endometriosis

While the initial plan was focused on removing the myoma, the surgical process revealed an even more complex landscape. During the diagnostic and surgical phases, Dr. Jacob and her team discovered that Ambi was also suffering from endometriosis. [00:54]

The Double Challenge of Endometriosis and Fibroids

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing severe pain and inflammation. It is a leading cause of infertility globally. When combined with uterine fibroids, it creates a "double-hit" to the reproductive system, making the internal environment hostile to conception.

Dr. Jacob noted that while the myoma could be addressed, the endometriosis added another layer of difficulty. [01:03] This discovery underscored the importance of a comprehensive surgical approach that doesn't just look at the obvious problem but evaluates the entire pelvic region.

Advanced Surgical Laparoscopy

To address these issues, the medical team at Asklepios Klinik Wandsbek opted for a "Bauchspiegelung" or laparoscopy. [00:46] This minimally invasive surgical technique allows doctors to operate through small incisions using a camera to guide them.

The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopy is preferred for fertility-related surgeries because it involves less trauma to the uterine tissue and surrounding organs compared to traditional open surgery. This is vital when the ultimate goal is to maintain the integrity of the uterus for a future pregnancy. [01:43]

During the procedure, the surgeons were able to successfully remove the myoma. However, because the endometriosis was more extensive than initially anticipated, the treatment plan had to be adapted. This surgical precision is a hallmark of modern gynecological oncology and fertility treatment.

Importance of Doctor-Patient Bond

One of the most touching aspects of Ambi’s story is her relationship with Dr. Anna Jacob. Ambi describes the doctor as very empathetic and professional. [01:07] "She explained everything to me very well," Ambi noted, emphasizing how clear communication helped ease the anxiety of a complex medical journey. [01:15]

A trusting relationship between a patient and their physician is often the foundation of successful treatment. In fertility cases, where the emotional stakes are high, feeling heard and informed can make a massive difference in a patient's mental health and their commitment to long-term treatment plans.

Hormone Therapy & Recovery

After the first surgery, Ambi underwent hormone therapy to manage the remaining endometriosis and prepare her body for pregnancy. [01:37] Unfortunately, the hormone therapy was not immediately successful, and Ambi continued to experience pain. [01:41]

Persistence in the Face of Setbacks

This led to a second intervention to "sanitize" the endometriosis. [01:45] Dealing with persistent symptoms after a major surgery can be disheartening, but Ambi’s persistence, supported by Dr. Jacob’s expertise, eventually paid off. The medical team's refusal to give up on the case was a turning point for Ambi.

The Miracle Pregnancy Announcement

About six months after the final surgical intervention, Dr. Jacob received a call that every fertility doctor hopes for. Ambi called her with a "problem." [02:02] Dr. Jacob initially feared the endometriosis had returned, but the "problem" was actually a joyous one: Ambi was pregnant and suffering from morning sickness. [02:14]

A Moment of Pure Joy

The news spread through the clinic like wildfire. [02:28] Ambi’s husband, Roger, was in disbelief at first. [02:19] "I thought she was making a joke," he said, reflecting on the years of disappointment they had faced. [02:26] The realization that their dream was finally becoming a reality was a moment of profound relief and happiness.

A New Beginning: Family Joy

Today, Ambi and Roger are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl. [02:41] Roger calls her their "princess" and notes how much happiness she has brought into their lives. [02:43]

The story concludes with Ambi reflecting on how the experience felt like a dream. After so much struggle, seeing her daughter play and grow is a constant reminder of the expertise and compassion she received at the Asklepios Klinik. This journey serves as a beacon of hope for other women facing similar gynecological and fertility obstacles.

Stage of Journey Clinical Focus Outcome
Initial Diagnosis Ultrasound and Medical History Detection of central Myoma
First Surgery Laparoscopic Myomectomy Myoma removed; Endometriosis discovered
Second Intervention Endometriosis Sanitization Pain relief and reproductive health restoration
Post-Op Follow-up Fertility Monitoring Successful spontaneous pregnancy

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00:00 Me and my husband have wanted a child for a long time, but it just didn't work out.

00:18 Mrs. Kouassi was introduced to us by her gynecologist because she found a large myoma in the middle of the uterus during the examination carried out as part of a desire to have children.

00:30 And that was positioned so unfavorably that a pregnancy like that would not have been possible or would have been very unlikely.

00:41 She always wanted a child. She always wanted to have children.

00:46 We then discussed with Mrs. Kouassi how the myoma could be removed and decided on an operation via laparoscopy due to the size.

00:54 Fortunately, one must say, because in the process we discovered another problem, namely endometriosis. The myoma was very easy to remove and the result was also very nice.

01:03 But of course, endometriosis also leads to the fact that it is very difficult to get pregnant.

01:10 Dr. Jacob was very empathetic and she explained everything to me very well.

01:21 We did not operate on the endometriosis in the same operation because it would have been a relatively extensive operation and we had not discussed that in advance.

01:31 So Mrs. Kouassi was not informed about it, so we then explained the clinical picture to her once, what everything can be done, you can for example also try hormone therapy.

01:39 And that unfortunately didn't help either, so she continued to have pain and we then also sanitized the endometriosis in a second intervention.

01:46 Suddenly I was tired and my main job... Between the operation and her call, I think six months passed.

02:00 And then she called me and said, Mrs. Jacob, I have a problem. And I already thought, oh dear, now the endometriosis has come back and we have to look at the stomach again.

02:11 And then she completed the sentence but with: Mrs. Jacob, I have a problem, I'm pregnant and I'm very sick.

02:18 When I heard that my wife was pregnant, I couldn't believe it at first because I thought she was making a joke.

02:28 The news spread like wildfire: Mrs. Kouassi is pregnant and everyone was very happy.

02:36 It was like a dream.

02:41 We have our princess now and she makes us happy.

Finally pregnant after surgery: Endometriosis – My patient story | Asklepios

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