Endometriosis is among the most painful conditions that ladies undergo.  It can interfere with your fertility, sexual intercourse, and menstrual periods. Have you ever wondered why many surgeries are performed on women with endometriosis?

On Tuesday, Kenya lost an entertainment star Jahmbi Koikai who had struggled with thoracic endometriosis for 15 years. Jahmbi confessed that she had undergone 21 surgeries which showed her strong nature in battling with thoracic endometriosis.

Jahmbi is just one of the many celebrities who are struggling with endometriosis and have undergone several surgeries in an attempt to treat their conditions.

Here are some of the surgeries that Jahmbi who was struggling with thoracic endometriosis went through:

1. Thoracoscopy

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 A thoracoscopy procedure

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat thoracic endometriosis. It involves inserting a thoracoscope, equipped with a camera and surgical instruments, through small incisions in the chest wall.

Surgeons visualize the thoracic cavity to identify and remove endometrial implants or lesions from the lungs, diaphragm, or other affected tissues.

It is done through targeting and excising endometrial tissue and aims to relieve symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. Compared to traditional open chest surgery, thoracoscopy offers advantages such as smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications.

2. Diaphragmatic Resection

Diaphragmatic resection is a surgical procedure employed in treating thoracic endometriosis, particularly when endometrial implants infiltrate the diaphragm.

During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove affected portions of the diaphragm, removing endometrial lesions. This aims to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and respiratory difficulties associated with thoracic endometriosis.

Diaphragmatic resection is performed to eradicate endometrial tissue, restore diaphragmatic function, and prevent recurrence. While it may require open chest surgery, advancements in minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized, leading to shorter recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort.

3. Pleurectomy

Pleurectomy is a surgery done to manage thoracic endometriosis by targeting endometrial implants on the pleura, the lining of the lungs, and the chest cavity. Surgeons meticulously excise the affected pleural tissue to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing.

By removing endometrial lesions, pleurectomy aims to restore normal lung function and prevent recurrence. While it may necessitate open chest surgery, minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized for quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort.

4. Lung Surgery

Lung surgery, a vital intervention for severe thoracic endometriosis cases, targets endometrial nodules or lesions within lung tissue. This procedure aims to alleviate symptoms like chest pain and respiratory distress by excising the affected lung tissue.

Surgeons may perform wedge resection or segmentectomy to remove these nodules while preserving lung function. Successful lung surgery can significantly improve quality of life and alleviate thoracic endometriosis symptoms.

5. Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure employed in severe cases of thoracic endometriosis, where endometrial implants infiltrate deep within the thoracic cavity. It involves making a larger incision in the chest wall to access and remove affected tissues, such as endometrial nodules or lesions.

Thoracotomy allows surgeons to meticulously address complex thoracic endometriosis and perform extensive tissue excision when necessary. It is more invasive than thoracoscopy and is important in cases that need comprehensive surgical intervention.

6. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are a non-surgical intervention used to manage thoracic endometriosis-related pain. During the procedure, medication, typically a local anesthetic or corticosteroid, is injected near specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the thoracic region.

By blocking these nerve signals, nerve blocks can provide temporary relief from chest pain and discomfort associated with thoracic endometriosis. While not a curative treatment, nerve blocks offer a valuable option for pain management, particularly for individuals who may not be surgical candidates or those seeking additional pain relief alongside surgical interventions.

Other procedures which can be performed on women struggling with other types of endometriosis include the following:

1. Laparoscopic Surgery

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surgeons performing a laparoscopic surgery

This is the most common surgical approach for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) to view the pelvic organs and remove endometrial tissue.

2. Excision Surgery

Excision surgery involves the precise removal of endometrial implants and lesions from affected organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding pelvic tissues. This approach aims to remove the endometriosis while preserving healthy tissue.

3. Laparotomy

In cases of severe endometriosis or when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible, a laparotomy may be performed. This involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove endometrial implants and scar tissue.

4. Hysterectomy

In cases of severe or treatment-resistant endometriosis, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus and sometimes the cervix. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed (salpingo-oophorectomy).

5. Oophorectomy

This procedure involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. It may be performed to reduce the production of estrogen, which can fuel the growth of endometrial implants.

6. Presacral Neurectomy (PSN)

PSN is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. It involves cutting or disrupting the nerves in the presacral area of the pelvis to reduce pain signals.

7. Bowel Resection

In cases where endometrial implants have infiltrated the bowel, a bowel resection may be necessary. This involves removing the affected portion of the bowel and reconnecting the healthy sections.

8. Bladder Surgery

If endometriosis affects the bladder, surgical procedures may be performed to remove implants and repair any damage to the bladder wall.

List of Celebrities Struggling With Endometriosis

1. Senjee Comedy

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Senjee Comedy

Kenyan entertainer Senjee Comedy, also known as Slyvia Savai, recently shared her struggle with endometriosis. She revealed that every month during her period, her right side becomes paralyzed, causing some organs to stop working.

When I get my period, my whole right side goes numb, and the pain is unbearable.So, some organs might need to be removed, she said.

Senjee Comedy also mentioned she’s set for two surgeries in June 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

I’m nervous but mostly anxious. For those following my journey, I’ll be having two surgeries in June in Atlanta, she stated.

2. Natalie Githinji

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 Natalie Githinji

In 2016, radio host and actress Natalie Githinji realized she was an endometriosis warrior after experiencing intense cramps during her period. She revealed that besides physical pain, endometriosis also brought her heartache, as she was dumped due to her condition. Natalie shared that she struggles to walk during her monthly period.

In an interview, she expressed regret for not discovering her ailment sooner, wishing she had known about it earlier to start treatment promptly.

I found out about it seven years later. I wish I had known sooner; I could’ve gotten treatment earlier, she stated.

3. Corazon Kwamboka

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 Corazon Kwamboka

Sharing her struggles with endometriosis, social media influencer, and lawyer Corazon Kwamboka encouraged women facing the condition not to lose hope in becoming mothers since endometriosis is linked to infertility. The mother of two revealed in an interview that she was terrified when diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in both her ovaries.

4. Comedian Zulekha

Meanwhile, former Churchill Show comedian Zulekha’s battle with endometriosis became public in 2019 when she appealed for funds for surgery. Despite still battling the illness, Zulekha continues to raise awareness about endometriosis through her social media platforms.

5. Janet Mbugua

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 Janet Mbugua

 Media personality and advocate for gender equality, Janet Mbugua, revealed her battle with endometriosis back in 2005. She shared that she underwent laparoscopy to treat deep ovarian endometriosis due to the severe pain she experienced during her monthly periods.

Janet expressed that the pain persisted even without contraceptives.

I suffered a lot during my periods, and I still do. If I don’t use birth control, the pain continues. I had ovarian cysts, so I had a laparoscopy years ago, she explained in a previous YouTube video.

She emphasized the intense pain she endured and her feeling that something was wrong

6. Ciru Muriuki

In 2017, media personality Ciru Muriuki underwent surgery to remove ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis. Despite seeking help from various doctors, they initially misdiagnosed her condition as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, she later discovered the truth about her suffering.

Muriuki praised Njambi’s efforts in raising awareness about endometriosis, as many people silently endure the condition.

These courageous Kenyan celebrities have shared their stories to shed light on this often misunderstood illness. Their openness encourages others to prioritize their health and speak up about their experiences.

Njambi Koikai emphasized that endometriosis is more than just severe menstrual pain; it’s a debilitating disease that affects every aspect of life. Through their advocacy, these stars are challenging misconceptions and ensuring that no one faces endometriosis alone.