Relation between pain symptoms and the anatomic location of deep infiltrating endometriosis

Radical resection of invasive endometriosis with bowel or bladder involvement—Long-term results

OBJECTIVE

With the present study we wanted to evaluate the effect of a radical resection of bowel and bladder endometriosis with respect to relief of pain symptoms and long-term effects.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospectively we analyzed 23 patients undergoing bowel or bladder resection for infiltrating endometriosis between 1995 and 2004. Chart review was performed and data were analyzed with respect to pain symptoms, fertility, type of surgery, operative morbidity and mortality. At 1, 3 and 5 years of follow-up patients were asked to evaluate their symptoms based on a visual analogue pain scale (0: no pain, 10: most severe pain). Results were compared using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Leading symptoms were chronic pelvic pain (17/23, 73.9%), dysmenorrhea (11/23, 47.8%), dyspareunia (6/23, 26.1%), infertility (4/23, 17.4%) and dyschezia (4/23, 17.4%). Three patients (13%) had abdominal hysterectomy, 5 (21.7%) LSO (n = 2) or BSO (n = 3), 18 (78.3%) anterior rectal resection, 4 (17.4%) sigmoid resection, 2 (8.6%) segmental bladder resection and one patient (4.3%) cecal resection. Major complications requiring re-operation occurred in three patients (2x postoperative bleeding, 1x anastomosis break-down). During follow-up (mean 40.5 months) 21 of the 23 patients (91.3%) had a persistent improvement of symptoms, 8 of the 23 (34.8%) had recurrent symptoms with a mean symptom-free interval of 40.4 months after surgery (24-60 months). No patient developed dyspareunia or dyschezia during follow-up. Overall cure rate was 73.9%. Four patients became pregnant (23%). Average pain scores increased during follow-up period but still remained significantly below the initial score (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Radical surgery for deep endometriosis with bowel or bladder involvement leads to a reliable and persistent relief of pain symptoms. Especially deep dyspareunia and dyschezia might be eliminated by this procedure.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain: epidemiological evidence of the relationship and implications

The relationship between chronic pelvic pain symptoms and endometriosis is unclear because painful symptoms are frequent in women without this pathology, and because asymptomatic forms of endometriosis exist. Our comprehensive review attempts to clarify the links between the characteristics of lesions and the semiology of chronic pelvic pain symptoms. Based on randomized trials against placebo, endometriosis appears to be responsible for chronic pelvic pain symptoms in more than half of confirmed cases. A causal association between severe dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis is very probable. This association is independent of the macroscopic type of the lesions or their anatomical locations and may be related to recurrent cyclic micro-bleeding in the implants. Endometriosis-related adhesions may also cause severe dysmenorrhoea. There are histological and physiopathological arguments for the responsibility of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in severe chronic pelvic pain symptoms. DIE-related pain may be in relation with compression or infiltration of nerves in the sub-peritoneal pelvic space by the implants. The painful symptoms caused by DIE present particular characteristics, being specific to involvement of precise anatomical locations (severe deep dyspareunia, painful defecation) or organs (functional urinary tract signs, bowel signs). They can thus be described as location indicating pain. A precise semiological analysis of the chronic pelvic pain symptoms characteristics is useful for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of endometriosis in a context of pain.

Diagnosis of endometriosis with imaging: a review

Endometriosis corresponds to ectopic endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Clinical symptoms include dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, infertility, painful defecation or cyclic urinary symptoms. Pelvic ultrasound is the primary imaging modality to identify and differentiate locations to the ovary (endometriomas) and the bladder wall. Characteristic sonographic features of endometriomas are diffuse low-level internal echos, multilocularity and hyperchoic foci in the wall. Differential diagnoses include corpus luteum, teratoma, cystadenoma, fibroma, tubo-ovarian abscess and carcinoma. Repeated ultrasound is highly recommended for unilocular cysts with low-level internal echoes to differentiate functional corpus luteum from endometriomas. Posterior locations of endometriosis include utero-sacral ligaments, torus uterinus, vagina and recto-sigmoid. Sonographic and MRI features are discussed for each location. Although ultrasound is able to diagnose most locations, its limited sensitivity for posterior lesions does not allow management decision in all patients. MRI has shown high accuracies for both anterior and posterior endometriosis and enables complete lesion mapping before surgery. Posterior locations demonstrate abnormal T2-hypointense, nodules with occasional T1-hyperintense spots and are easier to identify when peristaltic inhibitors and intravenous contrast media are used. Anterior locations benefit from the possibility of MRI urography sequences within the same examination. Rare locations and possible transformation into malignancy are discussed.

Operative management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis: results on pelvic pain symptoms according to a surgical classification

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of complete surgical excision for patients with painful functional symptoms in a context of histologically proven deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred thirty-two patients with pelvic pain symptoms and histologically proved DIE. The DIE lesions were classified according to surgical classification: uterosacral ligaments (USL), vagina, bladder, or intestine.

INTERVENTION

Complete surgical excision of DIE lesions.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A retrospective analysis was made of medical, operative, and pathologic reports as well as of questionnaires mailed to patients. Efficiency of surgical excision was assessed according to two methods: objective evaluation (numerical rating scale) and subjective evaluation (patients were asked to classify the improvement after surgery with one of the following: excellent, satisfactory, slight, or no improvement). For each symptom, the mean scores according to the numerical rating scale were significantly lower postoperatively. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative scores was 5.2 points +/- 3.6 for dysmenorrhea, 4.6 points +/- 3.1 for deep dyspareunia, 4.4 points +/- 3.7 for painful defecation during menstruation, 4.9 +/- 3.2 for lower urinary tract symptoms during menses, and 4.6 points +/- 3.4 for noncyclic chronic pelvic pain. Comparable results were observed for patients in each group according to the surgical classification of their DIE lesions: USL (n = 78 patients); vagina (n = 25 patients); bladder (n = 13 patients); and intestine (n = 16 patients). Subjective evaluation showed that the improvement was considered to be excellent in 40.2% of women (53 patients), satisfactory in 42.4% (56 patients), slight in 14.4% (19 patients), and nonexistent in 3.0% (4 patients). The patients' characteristics (i.e., age, gravidity, parity, body mass index, preoperative medical treatment, follow-up after surgery, number and location of DIE lesions, revised American Fertility Society stage, associated endometrioma) did not differ significantly according to whether the improvement was considered to be excellent (Group A: 53 patients) or not (Group B: 79 patients). Among the infertile patients (n = 78; 59.1%), there was no difference in pain improvement if the patient was pregnant or not in the 42 women who achieved pregnancy after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Complete surgical excision of DIE lesions results in a statistically significant reduction in painful functional symptoms. These results are observed whatever the main location of DIE lesions. The patients' preoperative characteristics have no significant influence on the result.

Quality of sex life in women with endometriosis and deep dyspareunia

OBJECTIVE

To characterize sexual function among women with endometriosis and deep dyspareunia (DD).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Three-hundred nine women undergoing surgery because of infertility, pelvic pain, or adnexal masses. Three groups of patients with DD were created: women with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the uterosacral ligament (group U), women with endometriosis without uterosacral ligament lesions (group E), and controls (group C).

INTERVENTION(S)

Laparoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Sexual function questionnaire.

RESULT(S)

The prevalence of DD since the first intercourse was significantly higher among women with endometriosis than in controls (P=.029). When group U was compared with group E and C, the pain score was higher, the number of intercourses per week was reduced, the orgasm was less satisfying, and the patients felt less relaxed and fulfilled after sex. No significant difference was observed in pain score and coital frequency between subjects with monolateral and bilateral lesions of the uterosacral ligament.

CONCLUSION(S)

Among subjects with DD, those with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the uterosacral ligament have the most severe impairment of sexual function; the presence of bilateral lesions does not influence the severity of the symptoms. Women with endometriosis have frequently suffered DD during their entire sex lives.

[Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis: preliminary results]

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal endometriosis is source of chronic pelvic pain greatly affecting quality-of-life. Colorectal resection is indicated after failure of medical treatment. Few data are available on complications and functional results after laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis. Therefore, the aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the feasibility, peri-operative complications and functional results of laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2001 to March 2003, 32 consecutive women with clinically-suspected colorectal endometriosis confirmed by MR imaging and rectal endoscopic sonography were included in this prospective study.

RESULTS

Conversion to open surgery was required for four of the 32 women (12.5%). Mean operating time was 6 hours (range 4 to 13). Associated surgical procedures were: adhesiolysis (n=24), ureteral lysis (n=19), ovarian cystectomy (n=11), and hysterectomy (n=4). Mean blood loss was 2.4 g/dl (range: 0 to 8.6). Blood transfusion was required in 6 women including two who underwent laparoconversion. Two rectovaginal fistulae (6.3%) occurred requiring a colostomy. Urinary retention was noted in 6 women (15.6%).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis is feasible and is associated with a significant improvement of symptoms. However, the benefit of this procedure has to be weighed against the high morbidity.

Symptom distribution among infertile and fertile endometriosis cases with different stages and localisations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate endometriosis patients' symptoms and relate them to different stages and locations of endometriosis and also to fertility/infertility of the patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with endometriosis constituted the population investigated in this cross-sectional observational study, 55 and 13 of whom were diagnosed from the visual findings recorded during laparoscopy and laparotomy, respectively. All cases were categorised as early- (stages I and II) or late (stages III and IV)-stage endometriosis and as fertile or infertile endometriosis. The extent of endometriosis was further divided into peritoneal, ovarian, and ovarian and peritoneal. Symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, deep dyspareunia, dyschesia and dysuria and also depressive mood state were analysed and compared among those different groups.

RESULTS

Cyclic chronic pelvic pain was more relevant in late-stage endometriosis (P = 0.04). Deep dyspareunia, painful defecation, dysuria, infertility, and depressive state did not differ with stages of endometriosis or fertility status. Admission for pelvic pain of any duration was more prevalent among fertile patients with endometriosis (P = 0.008). Chronic noncyclic pelvic pain was more frequently observed in patients with fertile than in those with infertile endometriosis (P = 0.01). More cases in the fertile group experienced noncyclic pelvic pain (P = 0.04). More patients admitted with cyclic pelvic pain had ovarian or ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis than peritoneal endometriosis only (P = 0.03). Infertility was more prevalent among peritoneal endometriosis cases than among those with ovarian or peritoneal and ovarian involvement (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of endometriosis may predict the stage and localisation of the disease to some extent.

Presurgical diagnosis of posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis based on a standardized questionnaire

BACKGROUND

To derive a diagnostic model based on symptoms and history as assessed by a standardized questionnaire to predict posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) among women with chronic pelvic pain symptoms.

METHODS

134 women scheduled for laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain symptoms completed a standardized self-administered questionnaire, specifically designed for the study. We compared the symptoms of the women with posterior DIE diagnosed at laparoscopy with those of the women with other disorders, and used multiple logistic regression analysis to select the best combination of symptoms for predicting posterior DIE. Cross-validation was performed with the jackknife method.

RESULTS

51 women (38.1%) were diagnosed with posterior DIE and 83 with other disorders (61.9%). The following variables were independent predictors for posterior DIE: painful defecation during menses, severe dyspareunia (visual analogic scale > or =8), pain other than noncyclic, and previous surgery for endometriosis. The cross-validation procedure leads to a simplified diagnostic model that uses two independent predictors: painful defecation during menses and severe dyspareunia. The sensitivity of this model for diagnosing posterior DIE was 74.5%, its specificity was 68.7%, its positive likelihood ratio was 2.4, and its negative likelihood ratio was 0.4. It correctly classified 70.9% of our sample into a high-risk (with either severe dyspareunia or painful defecation during menses) and a low-risk (neither symptom) group.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized evaluation of painful symptoms is useful for screening women so that they may have adequate exploration and counselling before laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain symptoms.

Feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and complications of laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis and its efficacy on gynecologic and digestive symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

After magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluation of symptomatic colorectal endometriosis, 40 consecutive women requiring colorectal resection were included in this study. Symptom questionnaires were completed before and after the procedure. Perioperative complications and linear intensity scores for several gynecologic and digestive symptoms were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-six women (90%) underwent laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection and 4 required laparoconversion. Major complications occurred in 4 cases (10%), including 3 rectovaginal fistulae and 1 pelvic abscess. Transient urinary dysfunction occurred in 7 women (17.5%). Median follow-up after colorectal resection was 15 months (3-22 months). Median overall preoperative and postoperative pain scores were 8 +/- 1 (range 4-10) and 2 +/- 2 (0-10), respectively ( P < .0001). Nonmenstrual pelvic pain ( P = .0001), dysmenorrhea ( P < .0001), dyspareunia ( P = .0001), and pain on defecation ( P < .0005) were improved by colorectal resection. Lower back pain and asthenia were not improved.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis is feasible but carries a risk of major postoperative complications. Colorectal resection improved gynecologic and digestive symptoms, and the overall pain score.

Posterior cul-de-sac obliteration associated with endometriosis: MR imaging evaluation

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in depicting posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in patients with endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was not required for this retrospective study, but informed consent was obtained from all patients. MR images obtained between January 1989 and December 2000 in 57 women (mean age, 39 years; age range, 26-52 years) with histologically confirmed endometriosis were retrospectively evaluated by four radiologists independently. All patients underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy less than 1 month after MR imaging. MR images were evaluated for the presence and location of endometrial implants and adhesions. MR images were also scored for the presence of five findings: retroflexed uterus, elevated posterior vaginal fornix, intestinal tethering or tethered appearance of rectum in direction of uterus, faint strands between uterus and intestine, and fibrotic plaque or nodule covering serosal surface of the uterus. Interobserver agreement for each of the five findings and for the overall diagnosis of cul-de-sac obliteration was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistics were determined.

RESULTS

Laparotomy or laparoscopy revealed posterior cul-de-sac obliteration in 30 patients. Overall, the four radiologists had mean accuracies of 89.0% and 76.3% for diagnosing endometrial implants and adhesions, respectively, at MR imaging. Overall, the radiologists achieved mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of 68.4%, 76.0%, 71.9%, 76.6%, and 68.5%, respectively, in diagnosing posterior cul-de-sac obliteration. The best accuracy (mean value, 64.5%) was obtained with the finding of fibrotic plaque in the uterine serosal surface. Readers agreed on the observations 63.2%-91.2% of the time. For the impression of the presence or absence of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration, interobserver agreement varied between substantial and moderate: Mean interobserver agreement was 78.4% (range, 70.2%-84.2%), and mean kappa was 0.57 (range, 0.40-0.67). Mean accuracy of MR imaging for diagnosing posterior cul-de-sac obliteration was 71.9%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that use of the described MR imaging findings may enable diagnosis of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration.

Surgical Management of Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis: An Update

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) manifests itself mainly in the form of pain, predominantly deep dyspareunia, and painful functional symptoms that are aggravated monthly during menstruation, with the semiology being directly correlated with the location of the lesions (bladder, rectum). A workup to assess the extent of the disease is necessary to establish an accurate map of the DIE lesions, which is the essential condition to perform complete exeresis. The treatment of first intention is surgical, because medical treatments are only palliative in the majority of cases. Successful treatment depends on achieving radical surgical exeresis. Analysis of the anatomical distribution of the DIE lesions allows a "surgical classification" to be proposed to standardize the modalities of surgical treatment. Further studies are needed to specify the place and modalities of medical treatments preoperatively and postoperatively.

Pain in endometriosis: effectiveness of medical and surgical management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endometriosis is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life for women affected with the condition. It is also clear that early diagnosis with prompt effective management does not always occur. This review will discuss the medical and surgical treatment options and support conclusions with randomized double blind placebo-controlled studies where possible.

RECENT FINDINGS

Assessment of the pelvic pain associated with endometriosis can be categorized according to its relation to the menstrual cycle. Dysmenorrhoea and ovulatory pain occur with cyclical changes, as compared with chronic non-cyclic pain and deep dyspareunia. Dyskesia and urinary pain may have a relation to the menstrual cycle. The severity of pain symptoms, as well as the effect on the woman's quality of life, should be quantified. The preoperative symptoms can be compared with the operative findings and the stage of endometriosis according to the revised American Fertility Score.

SUMMARY

Review of the current literature demonstrates that a combined medical and conservative surgical approach is beneficial for most women with endometriosis associated pelvic pain.

Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: A Clinicopathologic Review

Endometriosis is a common clinical disorder in women and usually presents with pelvic pain, infertility, or adnexal masses secondary to intracystic hemorrhage with the formation of an endometrioma. Endometriosis shares certain characteristics with malignant neoplasms, and malignant ovarian tumours have been documented in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) usually occurs in younger women, has favourable outcomes, and appears as either a low-grade tumour of endometrioid cell type or as a clear cell tumour. As it has been suggested that the pathologic features of "atypical endometriosis" may constitute a precancerous state, women with atypical endometriosis may be at an increased risk of developing EAOC. There are no prospective randomized trials assessing treatment regimens for EAOC. Most women receive treatment similar to other epithelial ovarian cancers. However, women with EAOC represent a subgroup of patients that may require different therapeutic options. English-language journals indexed in MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for relevant articles that evaluated the association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, theories of pathogenesis and transformation, the clinical presentation and pathologic features of EAOC, as well as the treatment options available.

Accuracy of rectal endoscopic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of rectal involvement for patients presenting with deeply infiltrating endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracy of rectal endoscopic ultrasonography (REU) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting rectal wall involvement in patients presenting histologically proven deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a continuous series of 81 patients presenting histologically proven DIE who underwent preoperative investigations using both REU and MRI. The sonographer and the radiologist, who were unaware of the clinical findings and patient history, but knew that DIE was suspected, were asked whether there was involvement of the digestive wall.

RESULTS

Rectal DIE was confirmed histologically in 34 of the 81 (42%) patients. For the diagnosis of rectal involvement, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value for REU were 97.1%, 89.4%, 86.8% and 97.7% and for MRI they were 76.5%, 97.9%, 96.3% and 85.2%.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity and negative predictive value of REU were higher than those of MRI suggesting that REU performs better than MRI in the diagnosis of rectal involvement for patients presenting with DIE. Prospective studies with a large number of patients are needed in order to validate these preliminary results.

[Surgical management of rectovaginal septum endometriosis from a continuous series of 50 cases]

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of MRI and ano-rectal endosonography (ARES) for the diagnosis and surgical prognosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis and to analyse the surgical management in order to evaluate its functional results and complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients operated for a clinical presumption of endometriosis nodule of the recto vaginal septum. Thirty-nine patients had a MRI, 31 an ARES and 28 both exams. All the patients had a complete dissection of the rectovaginal septum and all lesions were excised.

RESULTS

For the diagnosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule, MRI results are: sensitivity 73%, specificity 50%, positive predictive value (PPV) 89%, negative predictive value (NPV) 25%; for uterosacral ligaments involvement: sensitivity 84%, specificity 95%, PPV 94%, NPV 86% and for rectal wall infiltration: sensitivity 53%, specificity 82%, PPV 69%, NPV 69%. The ARES results for diagnosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule are: sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 50% and for rectal wall infiltration: sensitivity 100%, specificity 71%, PPV 81%, NPV 100%. ARES appeared more sensitive than MRI for the detection of rectal wall infiltration (P = 0.002) and for rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule diagnosis (P = 0.03). Eighty-nine percent of the patients had a coelioscopy in first intention and 15 laparoconversions were performed, 11 in order to perform a digestive resection: 45 nodules were found. In 43cases the nodule was excised, associated to 19 digestive resections, 30 colpectomys, and 22 uterosacral ligaments resections. Three patients required an additional surgical treatment by Hartman's procedure with Mickulicz's drainage for peritonitis. Forty-one nodules were endometriosis nodules: the two other cases were fibrosis nodules. Thirty-three patients were interviewed about the evolution of their pains over a mean history of 20 months: 90% of the patients were satisfied with the management results.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the efficiency of MRI for rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule and uterosacral ligaments involvement diagnosis; accord ARES to rectovaginal septum endometriosis nodule diagnosis and its reliability in establishing a diagnosis of rectal wall involvement. The surgical cure of rectovaginal septum nodules without digestive infiltration is performed by coelioscopic or coelio-vaginal procedure, but in case of associated digestive affliction, laparotomy is actually the standard procedure in order to achieve a complete cure of the lesions. Complications, in particular peritonitis, are not frequent. Our data support the efficiency of radical surgical treatment for the improvement of pain symptoms. Results on fertility seem to be satisfactory, but complication risks suggest being careful in this indication. Clinical examination during a catamenial period is essential in order to evoke the diagnosis. MRI yields a complete map of the sub-peritoneal and peritoneal lesions and ARES allows for the diagnosis of an infiltration of the rectal wall. Pre-operative association of those two exams is actually indispensable for the surgical management of those patients, which consists of complete excision of endometriosical lesions and is efficient at treating pain symptoms and fertility. Complications are rare but severe, therefore, justifying a cure in specialised centres.

Deep Endometriosis: Definition, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Management

"Deep endometriosis" includes rectovaginal lesions as well as infiltrative forms that involve vital structures such as bowel, ureters, and bladder. The available evidence suggests the same pathogenesis for deep infiltrating vesical and rectovaginal endometriosis (i.e., intraperitoneal seeding of regurgitated endometrial cells, which collect and implant in the most dependent portions of the peritoneal cavity and the anterior and posterior cul-de-sac, and trigger an inflammatory process leading to adhesion of contiguous organs with creation of false peritoneal bottoms). According to anatomic, surgical, and pathologic findings, deep endometriotic lesions seem to originate intraperitoneally rather than extraperitoneally. Also the lateral asymmetry in the occurrence of ureteral endometriosis is compatible with the menstrual reflux theory and with the anatomic differences of the left and right hemipelvis. Peritoneal, ovarian, and deep endometriosis may be diverse manifestations of a disease with a single origin (i.e., regurgitated endometrium). Based on different pathogenetic hypotheses, several schemes have been proposed to classify deep endometriosis, but further data are needed to demonstrate their validity and reliability. Drugs induce temporary quiescence of active deep lesions and may be useful in selected circumstances. Progestins should be considered as first-line medical treatment for temporary pain relief. However, in most cases of severely infiltrating disease, surgery is the final solution. Great importance must be given to complete and balanced counseling, as awareness of the real possibilities of different treatments will enhance the patient's collaboration.

Symptoms before and after surgical removal of colorectal endometriosis that are assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of colorectal resection for endometriosis on symptoms and quality of life or on potential side effects.

STUDY DESIGN

After magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluations of symptomatic colorectal endometriosis, 27 consecutive women who underwent colorectal resection were included in this prospective study. They completed symptom questionnaires before and after the procedure. Linear pain scores for several gynecologic and digestive symptoms and impact on quality of life were recorded.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and positive predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging and rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluation for the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis were 92.6% and 100% and 89% and 100%, respectively. Nonmenstrual pelvic pain (P = .001), dysmenorrhea (P < .0001), dyspareunia (P = .0002), and pain on defecation (P < .005) were improved by colorectal resection. No correlation was found between symptom intensity and lesion size, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, rectal endoscopic sonographic evaluation, or histologic examination of the surgical specimen. Respectively, the conditions of 14, 11, 0, and 2 women were cured, improved, unchanged, or worsened. Median overall pre- and postoperative quality-of-life scores were 9 (range, 4-10) and 0 (range, 0-10), respectively (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Colorectal resection for endometriosis appears to relieve some symptoms. However, women should be informed that some symptoms may persist and that there is a risk of urinary and digestive side effects.

Estrous changes in vaginal nociception in a rat model of endometriosis

A rat model of endometriosis, in which pieces of uterine horn (versus fat in controls) are autotransplanted into the abdomen where they form cysts, reduces fecundity and produces vaginal hyperalgesia. The cysts gradually enlarge over a 2-month period postsurgically and then plateau. Cysts regress with low estrogen levels and reappear when they rise. Based on the hypothesis that the vaginal hyperalgesia depends upon the cysts, this study tested two predictions: that (1) the hyperalgesia would develop postsurgically in parallel with the cysts, and (2) the hyperalgesia would vary with estrous, being greatest when estrogen levels are high (proestrus) and least when low (estrus). In rats trained to escape vaginal distention, percentage escape responses to different distention volumes were measured across the rat's 4-day estrous cycle for 2.5 months before and up to 4 months after autotransplantation of uterus (n=9) or fat (n=6) in abdominal sites. Vaginal pressures were also measured. In rats with uterine but not fat autotransplants, escape percentages increased postsurgically over a 2-month period and then plateaued. The increase was greatest in proestrus and failed to occur in estrus. Vaginal pressures were unchanged in all groups. These results strongly support the hypothesis that the vaginal hyperalgesia depends upon the cysts. Because the cysts were located in sites remote from the vagina, the hyperalgesia involves viscero-visceral interactions and is likely centrally mediated, whereas the estrous modulation could involve hormonal actions either on the cysts or, more likely, on vaginal afferent fibers, and/or on central neurons.

[Deep pelvic endometriosis: management and proposal for a "surgical classification"]

Deep pelvic endometriosis presents essentially in the form of a painful syndrome dominated by deep dyspareunia and painful functional symptoms that recur according to the menstrual cycle, with the semiology directly correlated with the location of the lesions (bladder, rectum). It is essential to investigate these deep endometriosis lesions and draw up a precise map, which is the only way to be sure that exeresis will be complete. The treatment of first intention remains surgery, and medical treatment is only palliative in the majority of cases. Success of treatment depends on how radical surgical exeresis is. Based on analysis of the anatomical distribution of deep pelvic endometriosis lesions, a "surgical classification" is proposed with the aim of establishing standard modes for surgical treatment. Further studies are required to clarify the place and modes for pre- and postoperative medical treatment.