Randomized trial of laparoscopically assisted versus open colorectal resection for endometriosis: morbidity, symptoms, quality of life, and fertility

Robotic surgery and standard laparoscopy: a surgical hybrid technique for use in colorectal endometriosis

AIM

The aim of our work was to assess the feasibility and possible benefits of a novel hybrid surgical technique in rectosigmoidal resection in patients with bowel endometriosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of seven symptomatic and infertile women with severe bowel endometriosis underwent segmental bowel resection using the da Vinci surgical system and conventional laparoscopy. Statistical analysis was performed by Friedman test for non-parametric multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

The surgical procedure has a determined short mean operative time (210min) and short postoperative hospitalization (five days). In 100% of patients, the resected area showed disease-free margins. Follow-up, carried out at three, six and 12months after operation, showed a regression of painful symptoms in all operated patients (100%). Two patients (28.6%) aged≥35years eventually had natural pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first concerning the use of a hybrid technique for intestinal resection in severe endometriosis, and comparing our data with that in the literature, its methodological and clinical advantages are evident. Moreover, the complete removal of endometriotic implants seems to offer good results in terms of postoperative fertility, although the study data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions on the management of fertility.

Sexual functioning, quality of life and pelvic pain 12 months after endometriosis surgery including vaginal resection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sexual function, quality of life and pelvic pain after endometriosis surgery including vaginal resection.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study with 12 months follow up.

SETTING

Regional central hospital and university hospital.

POPULATION

Twenty-two patients with deep endometriotic nodules in the posterior fornix of the vagina undergoing complete excision of endometriosis, including vaginal resection.

METHODS

Sexual functioning was measured with the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire, quality of life with a generic questionnaire (15D) and pain with a 10-point visual analog scale. Questionnaires were completed before and 12 months after the surgery. Main outcome measures. Changes in sexual function scores, quality-of-life scores and pain.

RESULTS

Twelve months after surgery, the sexual satisfaction score was higher (p= 0.03) and the sexual problems score lower (p= 0.04) compared with baseline values. Health-related quality-of-life scores for discomfort and symptoms (p= 0.001), distress (p= 0.04), vitality (p= 0.03) and sexual activity (p= 0.001), and the overall 15D score (p < 0.001), were significantly improved. The severity of all studied types of pain was significantly decreased (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete excision of endometriosis, including vaginal resection, seems to offer a significant improvement in sexual functioning, quality of life and pelvic pain in symptomatic patients with deeply infiltrating endometriotic nodules in the posterior fornix of the vagina. This surgery may be associated with complications and adverse new-onset symptoms, and should be performed only after thorough consultation with the patient.

Long Term Surgical Outcomes after Segmental Colorectal Resection in Women with Severe Endometriosis

Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess post-operative complications, symptoms, patient satisfaction, and fertility outcome after a long-term follow-up period in patients with severe intestinal endometriosis.

Methods

In this retrospective study (January 1998 - December 2008) patients scheduled for a segmental colorectal resection by laparotomy were identified. Surgery was performed by a multidisciplinary team. Data were obtained from medical records and supplemented by a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 41 patients (median age 30 years [24–45]) were included with a mean follow-up of 50 months. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, hematochezia, constipation, pencil like stool, diarrhea, and tenesmus decreased, respectively, in 24, 16, 31, 25, 26, 12, 11, and 21 patients. Post-operatively, one patient conceived naturally and eleven out of fifteen patients conceived after in vitro fertilization. The post-operative patient satisfaction rate (mean 7.4) was significantly higher compared to prior to surgery (mean 4.6). Four major complications were reported in the first year after surgery. The cumulative complication rate was 12%.

Conclusions

Segmental colorectal resection by laparotomy in patients with severe intestinal endometriosis effectively reduces symptoms and increases patient satisfaction with an acceptable risk on treatable complications.

Nerve-sparing laparoscopic eradication of deep endometriosis with segmental rectal and parametrial resection: the Negrar method. A single-center, prospective, clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The weight of surgical radicality, together with a lack of anatomical theoretical basis for surgery and inappropriate practical skills, can lead to serious impairments to bladder, rectal, and sexual functions after laparoscopic excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Although the "classical" laparoscopic technique for endometriosis excision involving segmental bowel resection has proven to relieve symptoms successfully, it is hampered by several postoperative long-term and/or definitive pelvic dysfunctions.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, we compare the laparoscopic nerve-sparing approach to the classical laparoscopic procedure in a series of 126 cases. Satisfactory data for bowel, bladder, and sexual function were considered as primary endpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 126 patients were considered for analysis: 61 treated with nerve-sparing radical excision of pelvic endometriosis with segmental bowel resection (group B), and 65 treated with the classical technique (group A). Intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. Mean days of self-catheterization were significantly lower in the nerve-sparing group (39.8 days) compared with the non-nerve-sparing group (121.1 days; p < 0.001). The relapse rate within 12 months after surgery was comparable between the two groups. Patients of group A suffered from urinary retention more frequently between 1 and 6 months (p = 0.035) compared with group B and did not experience any improvement between 6 months and 1 year (p = 0.018). Overall detection of severe bladder/rectal/sexual dysfunctions was significantly different between the two groups, and 56 patients of group A (86.2%) reported a significantly higher rate of severe neurologic pelvic dysfunctions vs. 1 patient (1.6%) of group B (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique appears to be feasible and offers good results in terms of reduced bladder morbidity and apparently higher satisfaction than the classical technique. Considering that this kind of surgery requires uncommon surgical skills and anatomical knowledge, we believe that it should be performed only in selected reference centers.

Effect of patient selection on estimate of reproductive success after surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis: literature review

The effect of rectovaginal endometriosis on fertility is unclear. Several authors foster radical surgery, including colorectal resection, as a fertility-enhancing procedure. However, interpretation of data is difficult, as the baseline fertility status is often undefined and it is not always possible to discriminate between spontaneous conceptions and those resulting from IVF. A systematic literature review was performed with the aim of defining the pregnancy rate specifically in patients who were infertile before surgery and who sought spontaneous pregnancy. A PubMed search was conducted to identify English language studies published between 2005 and 2011 evaluating reproductive performance after surgery for rectovaginal and rectosigmoid endometriosis. According to the results of the 11 selected studies, the mean post-operative conception rate in all women seeking pregnancy independently of preoperative fertility status and IVF performance was 39% (95% CI 35-43%; 223/571), but dropped to 24% (95% CI 20-28%; 123/510) in infertile patients who sought spontaneous conception (odds ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.38-0.65%). Patients' selection significantly influences the estimate of the effect of rectovaginal endometriosis excision on infertility. This should be carefully taken into consideration at preoperative counselling. Rectovaginal endometriosis usually is associated with pain symptoms, but the effect of this disease form on fertility is uncertain, as burial of foci beneath rectouterine adhesions with exclusion of the deepest part of the pelvis may limit interference with fertilization processes. Several authors foster radical surgery, including colorectal resection, as a fertility-enhancing procedure. However, interpretation of data is difficult, as the baseline fertility status is often undefined and it is not always possible to discriminate between spontaneous conceptions and those resulting from IVF. A systematic literature review was performed with the aim of defining the pregnancy rate specifically in patients who were infertile before surgery and who sought pregnancy spontaneously. A PubMed search was conducted to identify English language studies published between 2005 and 2011 evaluating reproductive performance after surgery for rectovaginal and rectosigmoid endometriosis. According to the results of the 11 selected studies, the mean post-operative conception rate in all women seeking pregnancy independently of preoperative fertility status and IVF performance was 39% (223/571), but dropped to 24% (123/510) in infertile patients who sought conception spontaneously. The 15% difference is statistically significant. Infertile patients with rectovaginal endometriosis considering surgery, should be carefully informed of the real probability of post-operative conception avoiding generic overestimations.

The treatment of rectal endometriosis and the role of laparoscopic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rectal endometriosis is a very indolent disease whose treatment has been debated by a range of competing schools. Meanwhile, not all audiences in the scientific community are entirely familiar with the full aspects of the disease. Hence, the purpose of this review is to outline the basic as well as the recent literature pertaining to the disease, thus offering a broader view to the interested reader.

RECENT FINDINGS

Laparoscopic shaving or disc excision for rectal endometriotic nodules may be simple, safe options of controlling the disease. On the contrary, laparoscopic rectal resections, originally reserved for more extensive disease, are now more skillfully mastered by surgeons and gynecologists. Meta-analyses, retrospective, and prospective studies are being published frequently supporting one form of therapy at a time and discrediting another at other times.

SUMMARY

Laparoscopic shaving or disc excisions for rectal endometriotic foci or rectal resections are feasible and efficient methods for treating rectal endometriosis. More complex surgery to the bowel means more risk for complications. With the rising learning curve of the operators, laparoscopic rectal resections have become a safe option that should be offered to patients. The patient's preference to a particular treatment option should be central to the type of surgery to be elected.

The management of stage III and IV endometriosis

The clinical manifestations of severe endometriosis are variable and unpredictable in both presentation and course. There are also a proportion of women with severe endometriosis who remain asymptomatic. The treatment of severe endometriosis must be individualised, taking into account the impact of the disease and treatment on pain, fertility and quality of life. Surgery is usually required and multiple organs are sometimes involved. Therefore, if endometriosis is severe, referral to a center with the expertise to offer all available treatments in a multidisciplinary team, including advanced laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy, is strongly recommended. It is also important to involve the woman in all decisions, to be flexible in diagnostic and therapeutic thinking, to maintain a good relationship with the woman and to seek advice where appropriate.

[Postoperative abdominal adhesions and their prevention in gynaecological surgery: I. What should you know?]

Adhesions are the most frequent complications of abdominopelvic surgery, causing important short- and long-term problems, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain and a lifetime risk of small bowel obstruction. They also complicate future surgery with increased morbidity and mortality risk. They pose serious quality of life issues for many patients with associated social and healthcare costs. Despite advances in surgical techniques, including laparoscopy, the healthcare burden of adhesion-related complications has not changed in recent years. Adhesiolysis remains the main treatment although adhesions reform in many patients. The extent of the problem of adhesions has been underestimated by surgeons and the health authorities. There is rising evidence however that surgeons can take important steps to reduce the impact of adhesions. As well as improvements in surgical technique, developments in adhesion-reduction strategies and new agents offer a realistic possibility of reducing adhesion formation and improving outcomes for patients. This paper is the first of a two-part publication providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence on adhesions to allow gynaecological surgeons to be best informed on adhesions, their development, impact on patients, health systems and surgical outcomes. In the second paper we review the various strategies to reduce the impact of adhesions and improve surgical outcomes to assist fellow surgeons in France to consider the adoption of adhesion reduction strategies in their own practice.

[Laparoscopic colorectal resection for deep pelvic endometriosis: Evaluation of post-operative outcome]

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of mid-term functional results and the quality of life after laparoscopic colorectal resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three consecutive patients were included in a retrospective monocentric study. Postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up after colorectal resection was of 24±15.7 months (6-72). Major complications occurred in three cases (12,9%) including one anastomotic stenosis, one digestive and one bladder fistula. A significant improvement in pelvic pain symptoms was observed. De novo constipation and pain on defecation occurred in respectively 23% and 42% of the cases. Transient de novo dysuria occurred in 18% of the cases. The quality of life has been significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal resection is associated with unfavourable postoperative digestive and urological outcomes, such as bladder and rectal dysfunction. Radical treatment should be limited to selected patients.

Laparoscopic rectal resection for severe endometriosis of the mid and low rectum: technique and operative results

BACKGROUND

Although several studies have shown that laparoscopic resection is safe and feasible in bowel endometriosis, limited data are available on the specific treatment for endometriosis of the rectum. The aim of this study is to describe operative and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for endometriosis.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2010, 750 patients (median age 33 years) underwent laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for deep infiltrating endometriosis at a single institution. All operations were performed with a standardized technique by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 255 min, and median blood loss 150 ml. Of patients, 7% required blood transfusions. Laparotomic conversion rate was 1.6%. Mechanical low and very low colorectal anastomoses were carried out in 92.5 and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Temporary ileostomy rate was 14.5%. Median length of stay was 8 days. Overall surgical morbidity was 9% with no mortality. Rates of anastomotic leak, rectovaginal fistula, and intraabdominal bleeding were 3, 2, and 1.2%. Forty patients (5.5%) required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for endometriosis can be performed safely with acceptable rates of morbidity/reoperation and with low rates of specific complications, including anastomotic leak and rectovaginal fistula. The very high surgical volume of the operating surgeon is probably one of the most important factors in order to maximize postoperative outcomes.

Symptomatic intestinal endometriosis requiring surgical resection: clinical presentation and preoperative diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Intestinal endometriosis (IE) can present with varied symptoms, making the diagnosis difficult. Modalities have been described to evaluate IE, but few can provide a confirmatory diagnosis. A preoperative diagnosis of IE may help guide management. We sought to describe the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, histology and operative management of 89 patients with tissue-confirmed symptomatic IE.

METHODS

The records of 89 patients from a single institution with histologically confirmed, symptomatic IE from 1 January 1994 to 30 September 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Abdominal pain was the most common symptom in patients with IE; however, rectal bleeding was significantly associated with IE of the distal colon (P=0.02), while dysfunctional uterine bleeding was seen more in patients with proximal IE (P=0.01). Preoperative confirmation of IE was uncommon; colonoscopy with biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 29.6% of patients tested and only 15% of patients with IE had histologic lesions involving mucosa. In the five patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), the diagnosis of IE was established in all cases (n=4) where histology or cytology was obtained. Malignancy was considered nearly as frequently as IE preoperatively, and 90.4% of patients underwent laparotomy as the initial surgical approach.

CONCLUSIONS

IE can present with a variety of manifestations, which may provide clues to location of bowel affected. Patients with known pelvic endometriosis and rectal bleeding are more likely to have distal bowel affected; EUS with tissue sampling may play a role if routine endoscopy fails to reveal the diagnosis. Making a diagnosis of IE preoperatively may allow for less invasive surgical approaches and better patient outcomes.

Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis vs. rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis (MDCT-e) and rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC-TVS) in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis.

METHODS

This prospective study included 96 patients of reproductive age with suspicion of bowel endometriosis. Patients underwent MDCT-e and RWC-TVS before operative laparoscopy. Findings of MDCT-e and RWC-TVS were compared with histological results. The severity of pain experienced during MDCT-e and RWC-TVS was measured by a 10-cm visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients had bowel endometriotic nodules at surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 95.8% (46/48), 100.0% (48/48), 100.0% (46/46), 96.0% (48/50) and 97.9% (94/96) for MDCT-e and 93.8% (45/48), 97.9% (47/48), 97.8% (45/46), 94.0% (47/50) and 95.8% (92/96) for RWC-TVS. MDCT-e was associated with more intense pain than was RWC-TVS.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT-e and RWC-TVS have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, but patients tolerate RWC-TVS better than they do MDCT-e.

Urinary dysfunction after colorectal resection for endometriosis: results of a prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopy to open surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate urinary symptoms before and after colorectal resection for endometriosis using validated questionnaires.

STUDY DESIGN

We randomly assigned 52 patients with colorectal endometriosis to undergo laparoscopically assisted or open colorectal resection. The median follow-up was 19 months. Urinary symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Score Symptom and the Bristol Female Low Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaires.

RESULTS

Dysuria was observed in 29% of cases postoperatively. Using Bristol Female Low Urinary Tract Symptoms and International Prostate Score Symptom scores, an alteration was observed for voiding symptoms (P = .01 and P = .006, respectively). No difference was observed between the laparoscopy and the open surgery group. An alteration of the International Prostate Score Symptom voiding symptoms was observed in the group that did not undergo nerve sparing surgery (P = .048). An alteration of the International Prostate Score Symptom voiding symptoms was observed for patients who underwent vaginal resection (P = .01) and parametrial resection (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm that colorectal resection for endometriosis is a source of urinary dysfunction whatever the surgical route.

Bowel endometriosis: Recent insights and unsolved problems

Bowel endometriosis affects between 3.8% and 37% of women with endometriosis. The evaluation of symptoms and clinical examination are inadequate for an accurate diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasonography is the first line investigation in patients with suspected bowel endometriosis and allows accurate determination of the presence of the disease. Radiological techniques (such as magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis) are useful for estimating the extent of bowel endometriosis. Hormonal therapies (progestins, gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues and aromatase inhibitors) significantly improve pain and intestinal symptoms in patients with bowel stenosis less than 60% and who do not wish to conceive. However, hormonal therapies may not prevent the progression of bowel endometriosis and, therefore, patients receiving long-term treatment should be periodically monitored. Surgical excision of bowel endometriosis should be offered to symptomatic patients with bowel stenosis greater than 60%. Intestinal endometriotic nodules may be excised by nodulectomy or segmental resection. Both surgical procedures improve pain, intestinal symptoms and fertility. Nodulectomy may be associated with a lower rate of complications.

Laparoscopic sigmoid resection with transrectal specimen extraction: a novel technique for the treatment of bowel endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary laparoscopic treatment is the standard of care for radical treatment of deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis. If bowel resection is necessary, a muscle-split or Pfannenstiel incision is also required. The avoidance of any laparotomy could decrease surgical stress response, give a faster return to normal bowel function, decrease post-operative pain and reduce wound complications and incisional hernias. We assessed post-operative outcome after a full laparoscopic sigmoid resection for bowel endometriosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients who underwent elective full laparoscopic sigmoid resection for bowel endometriosis from September 2009 to September 2010 were matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class and BMI to 21 patients who underwent a conventional laparoscopic sigmoid resection. Groups were compared for peri-operative factors, complications, length of hospital stay, post-operative pain (Visual Analog Scale: VAS), analgesics consumption and inflammatory response (plasma C-reactive protein: CRP).

RESULTS

Median operating time was 15 min shorter with transrectal specimen extraction (P = 0.003). VAS-scores and use of analgesics were higher in the conventional laparoscopic group (P = 0.0005). Mean CRP-level tended to be higher in the transrectal specimen extraction group (38%, P = 0.054) but there was no difference in increase in CRP level between groups (P = 0.15). There were no anastomotic leaks or reinterventions in either group, and the median hospital stay was similar. At follow-up, no wound infections or incisional hernias were observed and no patients reported anal dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Full laparoscopic sigmoid resection reduced operating times and decreased post-operative VAS-scores and analgesic requirements compared with the conventional laparoscopic sigmoid resection for bowel endometriosis.

Fertility after colorectal resection for endometriosis: results of a prospective study comparing laparoscopy with open surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the surgical route of colorectal resection for endometriosis is a determinant factor for fertility.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Fifty-two patients with endometriosis were randomly assigned to laparoscopic or open surgery.

INTERVENTION(S)

Laparoscopically assisted vs. open colorectal resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Evaluation of fertility outcomes spontaneously and after assisted reproductive therapy.

RESULT(S)

The mean follow-up was 29 months. Among the 28 patients wishing to conceive, 11 (39.3%) became pregnant. Overall cumulative pregnancy rate at 52 months for these patients was 45.1%. For patients with or without infertility, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 37.6% and 55.6%, respectively, and the cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rate 13.3% and 36.5%, respectively. All the spontaneous pregnancies were observed in the laparoscopy group.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study demonstrates that spontaneous pregnancy is more frequent after laparoscopy compared with open surgery for colorectal endometriosis.

Surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum: pleading for a symptom-guided approach

Two surgical approaches are usually employed in the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum (DIER): colorectal resection removing the rectal segment affected by the disease, and nodule excision either without opening the rectum (shaving) or by removing the nodule along with the surrounding rectal wall (full thickness or disc excision). Although the present available data are from retrospective series reported by surgeons who generally perform only one technique, there is no evidence to support the risk of recurrences as a valid argument in favour of colorectal resection over rectal nodule excision. The advantage of a lower morbidity associated with nodule excision is not necessarily at the cost of an increased rate of pain recurrences, especially in women benefiting from post-operative medical treatment. The symptom-guided surgical approach in DIER primarily focuses on the relief of digestive symptoms and pelvic pains, rather than on mandatory 'carcinologic' resection of lesions. In addition, the risk of new post-operative unpleasant symptoms as a result of a compulsory and systematic excision of all endometriotic foci may be avoided. In a majority of cases, pelvic anatomy and digestive function can be restored by shaving or disc excision, as well as by colorectal resection; thus digestive complaints can be resolved even when the rectum is conserved. The most accurate evaluation of the results of DIER surgery should be provided by post-operative evolution in digestive function. Even though quality of life is improved for the majority of patients managed by colorectal resection, the question is whether or not a greater health improvement can be achieved by performing nodule excision, which avoids various post-operative and functional digestive complications. In addition, continuous medical treatment leads to a decrease in endometriotic nodules and prevents post-operative pain recurrences. Instead of choosing between medical and surgical management in the treatment of DIER, it is most likely that the two therapies should be associated.