Endometriosis, a painful and often debilitating condition affecting 10%-15% of women, frequently goes undiagnosed for extended periods, leading to serious consequences such as infertility. Traditional endoscopic minimally invasive surgeries, long regarded as the gold standard for treating endometriosis, have relied solely on visual images, presenting various risks during diagnosis and treatment.

However, a breakthrough is on the horizon thanks to innovative research by a team at Fachhochschule Dortmund, led by research associate Stefan Patzke. Their project, known as "HSI4MIC," is exploring the integration of hyperspectral imaging into surgical procedures. This cutting-edge technology captures up to 255 spectral bands, vastly surpassing the three bands (red, blue, and green) offered by conventional endoscopy. This allows healthcare professionals to observe tissues in a way that includes not only visible light but also near-infrared and ultraviolet ranges, creating a unique "spectral fingerprint" that significantly enhances tissue classification through artificial intelligence.

"We aim to support doctors by providing precise information about affected tissues," states Patzke. This advanced imaging technique enables surgeons to pinpoint endometriosis lesions with unprecedented accuracy during operations. The ambition is to minimize residual endometriosis tissue, thereby reducing the need for multiple surgeries—a common issue many patients face.

The partnership between Fachhochschule Dortmund and local hospitals, such as Klinikum Dortmund and the Endometriosis Center at Marienkrankenhaus in Schwerte, highlights the growing interest in this pioneering approach to healthcare. Equipped with the hyperspectral camera, these institutions are generating high-resolution spectral images that will aid in the research.

With results anticipated next year, Patzke expresses optimism that this revolutionary technology will facilitate more reliable identification of damaged tissue. The next phase involves the seamless integration of the hyperspectral camera with existing endoscopic tools, a process made more straightforward by the identification of relevant spectral bands for detection.

As endometriosis continues to affect millions worldwide, the potential impact of hyperspectral imaging could be monumental. Women suffering from this condition might soon have more effective treatment options, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life. Stay tuned as this technology moves from research to practice, potentially reshaping the future of endometriosis surgery.