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Patient testimonial: Rocio’s endometriosis story

Rocio Hayer, a patient at Cromwell Hospital, describes her experience being treated by Mr Amer Raza at the International Centre for Endometriosis.

Rocio Hayer was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019 but wasn’t sure on the best treatment for her condition. She then found out about Mr Amer Raza, Consultant Gynaecologist, and the International Centre for Endometriosis at Cromwell Hospital.  

Rocio said: "I was first diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019. When I was younger my mum used to say the pain was normal and that she experienced it, and her mother too, but I know now you don’t have to suffer with pain during your period.  

After being diagnosed I was confused because I didn’t understand the options available to me, and that’s when a friend recommended Mr Raza."

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About endometriosis

Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK and can affect women of any age. 

It is a chronic condition and occurs where tissue, similar to the lining of the womb, starts to develop in other places, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder and sometimes in the lungs. This tissue goes on to develop adhesions and scarring which then leads to symptoms. 

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International Centre for Endometriosis

The International Centre for Endometriosis at Cromwell Hospital provides swift diagnosis and advanced treatment for patients experiencing endometriosis. The Centre brings the best experts in endometriosis together to provide a thorough, robust approach to this condition, which can have a serious impact on quality of life, fertility, bowel, and bladder.  

The Centre is led by Mr Amer Raza, who is a consultant gynaecologist with vast experience in treating complex endometriosis.   

Mr Raza said: "We felt there was a great need for a specialised centre at Cromwell Hospital, bringing together under one roof all the endometriosis expertise, such as colorectal surgery, fertility, physiotherapy, psychological support, and chronic pelvic pain support. We provide a one-stop service where a patient can come in, be seen, have their ultrasound scan on the same day, and walk away with a provisional diagnosis either confirming endometriosis or excluding it."

In acknowledgement of the exceptional standards of care the Centre provides, we have been recognised as a BSGE-accredited Endometriosis Centre for 2023 and 2024.  

Patients can expect personalised care, with support from our clinical nurse specialist who provides comprehensive and compassionate care to every patient along their journey at Cromwell Hospital.  

Those with complex endometriosis also benefit from the support of our endometriosis multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, which brings together clinicians from different specialties to recommend the best possible approach to manage a patient’s endometriosis, ensuring that a tailored treatment plan is created.  

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Treatment for endometriosis

Rocio said: "I met Mr Raza and he explained to me exactly what the challenge was. And I went, okay, I understand it now. He walked me through the options. He explained the pros and cons of each option, and it was so easy for me to decide to do a laparoscopic surgery because I knew that there was tissue inside me that was growing and attaching itself to my organs. 

When it came to the decision, it was so easy and I’m happy to say that it has now two months, almost and a half, and I have been on my third period pain free."

At Cromwell Hospital, we offer robotic surgery for endometriosis, which provides patients with huge benefits including less pain, faster recovery time, less chance of scarring and tissue loss, and less blood loss.   

Our consultants use the da Vinci Xi for robotic, keyhole surgery, which provides greater precision, control, and flexibility when using surgical instruments. Mr Raza is highly skilled with robotic surgery having completed over 200 gynaecological surgeries with the da Vinci Xi at Cromwell Hospital.   

Mr Raza commented: "The accuracy and precision of the da Vinci XI system works well for keyhole procedures, such as hysterectomies and complex endometriosis. Using the da Vinci Xi means our patients can leave hospital and recover more quickly."

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Rocio's recovery

Rocio said: "I couldn’t thank the hospital and Mr Raza enough. It was important that I knew I was in good hands with Mr Raza, and it really made a difference. 

I’m happy to say to all women, my fellow endo warriors – you don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to be embarrassed of having this condition. Treatment options are available."

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