Is ileostomy always necessary following rectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis?

Protective defunctioning stoma in bowel segmental resection at the time of total hysterectomy for endometriosis: when less is more

PURPOSE

To compare postoperative complications in women undergoing total hysterectomy with segmental resection (TH-SR) for intestinal endometriosis with or without protective defunctioning stoma (PDS) confection.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study conducted at the Gynecologic department of University Hospital of Lille (France) from January 2008 to January 2022 in patients undergone TH-SR for bowel endometriosis.

RESULTS

100 women were considered for the analysis. PDS were performed in 56 women. The rate of rectal resections was significantly higher in the PDS group (p = 0.03). The mean operative time, AAGL scores and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the PDS group (p = 0.002). The rate of grade III complication according to Clavien-Dindo classification was higher in the PDS group (p = 0.03). Among digestive complications, one case of anastomosis leakage (1.8%) and one case of recto-vaginal fistula (2.3%) was recorded in the non-PDS group, 4 cases of anastomosis stenosis were recorded in the PDS group (7.1%). Persisting bladder atony requiring self-catheterization over one month was the most common disturb (4.6% in the non-PDS group and 7.1% in the PDS group, p = 0.58). The distance of digestive lesion from anal margin was the only risk factor for digestive complications, persistent bladder atony, Clavien-Dindo IIIA and IIIB complications at the multivariate analysis (p = 0.04 and p = 0.06 respectively).

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant differences were found in the rate of digestive complications in case of total hysterectomy and concomitant segmental resection when performing or not preventing stoma.

Postoperative Complications and Stoma Rates After Laparoscopic Resection of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis with Bowel Involvement

OBJECTIVE

 The purpose was to assess the rates of postoperative complications and the need of temporary stoma of laparoscopic surgical treatment for bowel endometriosis in a referral center.

METHODS

 The surgical indication, type of operation, operative time, length of hospital stay, need for a temporary stoma, rate of conversion to open surgery, postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

 One-hundred and fifty patients were included. The average duration of surgery was significantly longer for segmental resection (151 minutes) than for disc excision (111.5 minutes, p < 0.001) and shaving (96.8 minutes, p < 0.001). Patients with segmental resection had longer postoperative lengths of hospital stay (1.87 days) compared with patients with disc excision (1.43 days, p < 0.001) and shaving (1.03 days, p < 0.001). A temporary stoma was performed in 2.7% of patients. Grade II and III postoperative complications occurred in 6.7% and 4.7% patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

 Laparoscopic intestinal resection has an acceptable postoperative complication rate and a low need for a temporary stoma.

Different segmental resection techniques and postoperative complications in patients with colorectal endometriosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature by conducting a systematic review to assess the possible effects of nerve-sparing segmental resection and conventional bowel resection on postoperative complications for the treatment of colorectal endometriosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pubmed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched from 1997 to 2021 in order to perform a systematic review. Studies including patients undergoing segmental resection for colorectal endometriosis including adequate follow-up, data on postoperative complications and postoperative sequelae were enrolled in this review. Selected articles were evaluated and divided in two groups: Nerve-sparing resection (NSR), and conventional segmental resection not otherwise specified (SRNOS). Within the NSRs, studies mentioning preservation of the rectal artery supply (artery and nerve-sparing SR - ANSR) and not reporting preservation of the artery supply (NSR not otherwise specified - NSRNOS) were further analyzed.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42021250974.

RESULTS

A total of 7549 patients from 63 studies were included in the data analysis. Forty-three of these publications did not mention the preservation or the removal of the hypogastric nerve plexus, or main rectal artery supply and were summarized as SRNOS. The remaining 22 studies were listed under the NSR group. The mean size of the resected deep endometriosis lesions and patients' body mass index were comparable between SRNOS and NSR. A mean of 3.6% (0-16.6) and 2.3% (0-10.5%) of rectovaginal fistula development was reported in patients who underwent SRNOS and NSR, respectively. Anastomotic leakage rates varied from 0% to 8.6% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in SRNOS compared with 0% to 8% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in patients undergoing NSR. Urinary retention (4.5% and 4.9%) and long-term bladder catheterization (4.9% and 5.6%) were frequently reported in SRNOS and NSR. There was insufficient information about pain or the recurrence rates for women undergoing SRNOS and NSR.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data describe the outcomes of different segmental resection techniques. However, the data are inhomogeneous and not sufficient to reach a conclusion regarding a possible advantage of one technique over the other.

Short-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis with rectal involvement: a single-center experience of 168 cases

Purpose

The surgical management of deep infiltrative endometriosis (DE) involving the rectum remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes from a single tertiary center over a decade with an emphasis on the role of a protective loop ileostomy (PI).

Methods

A retrospective review of outcomes for 168 patients managed between 2008 and 2018 is presented including 57 rectal shaves, 23 discoid excisions, and 88 segmental rectal resections.

Results

The nodule size (mean±standard deviation) in the segmental resection group was 32.7±11.2 mm, 23.4±10.5 mm for discoid excision, and 18.8±6.0 mm for rectal shaves. A PI was performed in 19 elective cases (11.3%) usually for an ultra-low anastomosis <5 cm from the anal verge. All Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications occurred after segmental resections and included 5 anastomotic leaks, 6 rectovaginal fistulas, 2 ureteric fistulas, and 1 ureteric stenosis. Of 26 stomas (15.5%), there were 19 PIs, 3 secondary ileostomies (after complications), and 4 end colostomies. The median time to PI closure was 5.8 months (range, 0.4-16.7 months) in uncomplicated disease compared with 9.2 months (range, 4.7-18.4 months) when initial postoperative complications were recorded (P=0.019). Only 1 patient with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula had a permanent colostomy.

Conclusion

In patients with DE and rectal involvement a PI is selectively used for low anastomoses and complex pelvic reconstructions. Protective stomas and those used in the definitive management of a major postoperative complication can usually be reversed.

Structured report for dynamic ultrasonography in patients with suspected or known endometriosis: Recommendations of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE)

OBJECTIVE

The International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) developed this project to establish the recommendations for structured reporting of dynamic ultrasound findings, promoting on this manner the practice of standardized, comprehensive and systematic evaluation and reporting of endometriosis in pelvic structures, in correlation with the #Enzian classification.

STUDY DESIGN

A non-systematic review was done through a search on the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database and Web of Science, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) term "endometriosis" (MeSH Unique ID: D004715) in combination with "diagnostic imaging" (MeSH Unique ID Q000000981) and "consensus" (MeSH Unique ID D032921). The information extracted from the articles of interest, written in English and published from inception of the above-mentioned databases until May 2021, was graded by the level of evidence using the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) classification system. The recommendations for a structured reporting of ultrasound findings were developed through multiple cycles of literature analysis and expert discussion following the Delphi method.

RESULTS

The ISGE recommends the adoption of the terms, definitions and methods proposed by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) Group for ultrasound assessment of patients with suspected or known endometriosis (grade 1C), since this is the most comprehensive and systematic concept currently available. This paper provides the ISGE structured reporting template for presenting quantitative and qualitative information upon the IDEA consensus-based sonographic assessment of the uterus, adnexa, anterior and posterior compartment. The #Enzian classification is recommended to summarize the findings in a standard fashion (grade 1B).

CONCLUSION

Mapping of pelvic endometriosis by ultrasound is accurate when trained sonographers perform the technique. Structured reporting of the lesions may improve patient counseling and treatment planning, including the organization of multidisciplinary teams and the selection of the most appropriate medical or surgical therapeutic strategy.

Surgical Outcomes after Colorectal Surgery for Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of type of surgery for colorectal endometriosis-rectal shaving or discoid resection or segmental colorectal resection-on complications and surgical outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review of all English- and French-language full-text articles addressing the surgical management of colorectal endometriosis, and compared the postoperative complications according to surgical technique by meta-analysis. The PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies published before March 27, 2020. The search strategy used the following Medical Subject Headings terms: ("bowel endometriosis" or "colorectal endometriosis") AND ("surgery for endometriosis" or "conservative management" or "radical management" or "colorectal resection" or "shaving" or "full thickness resection" or "disc excision") AND ("treatment", "outcomes", "long term results" and "complications").

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Two authors conducted the literature search and independently screened abstracts for inclusion, with resolution of any difference by 3 other authors. Studies were included if data on surgical management (shaving, disc excision, and/or segmental resection) were provided and if postoperative outcomes were detailed with at least the number of complications. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane recommendations.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Of the 168 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 60 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Seventeen of these were included in the meta-analysis on rectovaginal fistula, 10 on anastomotic leakage, 5 on anastomotic stenosis, and 9 on voiding dysfunction <30 days. The mean complication rate according to shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection were 2.2%, 9.7%, and 9.9%, respectively. Rectal shaving was less associated with rectovaginal fistula than disc excision (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.36; p <.001; I² = 33%) and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15-0.44; p <.001; I² = 0%). No difference was found in the occurrence of rectovaginal fistula between disc excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.70-1.63; p = .76; I² = 0%). Rectal shaving was less associated with leakage than disc excision (OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.73; p = .01; I² = 86%). No difference was found in the occurrence of leakage between rectal shaving and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.10-1.01; p = .05; I² = 71%) or between disc excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.30-1.58; p = .38; I² = 0%). Disc excision was less associated with anastomotic stenosis than segmental resection (OR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.48; p = .001; I² = 59%). Disc excision was associated with more voiding dysfunction <30 days than rectal shaving (OR = 12.9; 95% CI, 1.40-119.34; p = .02; I² = 0%). No difference was found in the occurrence of voiding dysfunction <30 days between segmental resection and rectal shaving (OR = 3.05; 95% CI, 0.55-16.87; p = .20; I² = 0%) or between segmental colorectal and discoid resections (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.54-1.85; p = .99; I² = 71%).

CONCLUSION

Colorectal surgery for endometriosis exposes patients to a risk of severe complications such as rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, and voiding dysfunction. Rectal shaving seems to be less associated with postoperative complications than disc excision and segmental colorectal resection. However, this technique is not suitable for all patients with large bowel infiltration. Compared with segmental colorectal resection, disc excision has several advantages, including shorter operating time, shorter hospital stay, and lower risk of postoperative bowel stenosis.

Voiding Dysfunction after Colorectal Surgery for Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Surgical management of deep endometriosis is associated with a high incidence of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the rates of voiding dysfunction according to colorectal shaving, discoid excision, and segmental resection for deep endometriosis.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review using bibliographic citations from PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Medical Subject Headings terms for colorectal endometriosis and voiding dysfunction were combined and restricted to the French and English languages. The final search was performed on August 28, 2019. The outcome measured was the occurrence of postoperative voiding dysfunction.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Study Quality Assessment Tools were used to assess the quality of included studies. Studies rated as good and fair were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of each included study, discrepancies were discussed; if consensus was not reached, a third reviewer was consulted.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS

Out of 201 relevant published reports, 51 studies were ultimately reviewed systematically and 13 were included in the meta-analysis. Rectal shaving was statistically less associated with postoperative voiding dysfunction than segmental colorectal resection (Odds ratio [OR] 0.34; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.18-0.63; I² = 0%; p <.001) or discoid excision (OR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.51; I² = 0%; p  <.001). No significant difference was noted when comparing discoid excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.32-1.69; I² = 29%; p = .47). Similarly, rectal shaving was associated with a lower risk of self-catheterization >1 month than segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.3; 95% CI, 0.14-0.66; I² = 0%; p = .003). This outcome was no longer significant when comparing discoid excision and segmental colorectal resection (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.4-1.31; I² = 63%; p = .28).

CONCLUSION

Colorectal surgery for endometriosis has a significant impact on urinary function regardless of the technique. However, rectal shaving causes less postoperative voiding dysfunction than discoid excision or segmental resection.

Bowel resection for intestinal endometriosis

Over the last twenty years, segmental resection (SR) has been the technique most frequently used to treat bowel endometriosis. Nowadays, it is most commonly performed by laparoscopy; however, there is evidence that it can be safely performed by robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Rectovaginal fistula and anastomotic leakage are the two major complications of SR; other complications include pelvic abscess, postoperative bleeding, ureteral damage, and anastomotic stricture. Several studies showed that SR causes improvement in pain and intestinal symptoms; nerve-sparing SR may improve the functional outcomes. The rates of postoperative recurrence of bowel endometriosis vary across the studies, possibly because of the different definitions of recurrence.

Post-operative management and follow-up of surgical treatment in the case of rectovaginal and retrocervical endometriosis

Introduction

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) affects between 3.8% and 37% of all endometriosis patients, mostly affecting rectovaginal septum or retrocervical space and characterized by the severe endometriosis-related complaints. Nowadays, generally managed with surgery. However, this is associated with a risk of postoperative complications. To better evaluate intra- and postoperative complications and outcomes for rectovaginal (RVE) and retrocervical endometriosis (RCE), the preoperative management should be accurately described and compared.

Methodology

This is a cohort retrospective study performed at the Endometriosis Centre of Charité-University Clinic, Berlin. 34 patients were investigated in their reproductive age, n = 19 with RVE and n = 15 RCE, operated between 2011 and 2015. The surgical approach was divergent in both groups. Single laparoscopy was performed in RCE patients (RCEP) and vaginal assisted laparoscopy in RVE patients (RVEP). Long-term postoperative outcome included complications, fertility rate and recurrence rate.

Results

The median follow-up time was three years (y). Symptom-free status was revealed in n = 12 RVEP and n = 9 RCEP. Postoperatively, endometriosis-related complaints were presented in n = 7 RVEP and n = 6 RCEP, but with significant pain relief. From n = 8 RVE patients seeking fertility, pregnancy occurred in n = 7 and from n = 9 RCEP pregnancy appeared in n = 5 patients in the meantime of 6 months. Postoperative complications were reported in n = 1 RVEP with early postoperative bleeding, after ureter leakage and n = 1 RCEP with postoperative anastomotic insufficiency. The postoperative recurrence rate was equivalent to zero.

Conclusion

The appropriate surgical approach for each group, preserving anatomy and functionality of the organs, seems to be very essential and efficient.

Bowel surgery for endometriosis: A practical look at short- and long-term complications

Endometriosis involving the bowel requires a thorough evaluation prior to deciding upon surgical treatment. Patient symptoms, treatment goals, extent and location of disease, surgeon experience, and anticipated risks all play a part in the preoperative decision-making process. Short- and long-term complications after bowel surgery for endometriosis are the focus of this article. Unfortunately, the literature to date has inherent limitations that prevent generalizability. Most studies are retrospective or prospective single-center case series. Publication bias is unavoidable with mainly large volume experts sharing their experience. As a result, there is a need for high-quality prospective studies that standardize inclusion criteria and outcome measures among various centers with an aim to present long-term outcomes. In the meantime, care for those with endometriosis involving the bowel requires a thorough preoperative plan to minimize risks and a need for early diagnosis and management of complications unique to bowel surgery.

Prevesical peritoneum interposition to prevent risk of rectovaginal fistula after en bloc colorectal resection with hysterectomy for endometriosis: Results of a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of rectovaginal fistula after en bloc hysterectomy and colorectal resection (H-CR) for endometriosis using prevesical peritoneum interposition.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study conducted at Tenon University Hospital, expert center in endometriosis, from June 2016 to June 2018. Patients undergoing H-CR with prevesical peritoneum interposition without protective defunctioning stoma were included.

RESULTS

Of the 160 patients who underwent surgery with colorectal resection for endometriosis during the study period, 27 had H-CR (15 with segmental and 12 with discoïd colorectal resection) and were included. The median age (range) was 45 years (41-47.5). Eight patients (13 %) were nulliparous. All procedures were performed by laparoscopy. Parametrial resection was performed in 14 cases (52 %). Associated bowel procedures were ileocecal resection (n = 5) and appendectomy (n = 2). Median follow-up (range) was 14.6 months (10.5-20.2). Nine (33.3 %) patients experienced intra- or postoperative complications including one grade I, four grade II, two grade IIIA and two grade IIIB complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). Seven patients (26 %) experienced postoperative voiding dysfunction. One suspicion of rectovaginal fistula associated with pelvic abscess was diagnosed 4 weeks after surgery but not confirmed during a second operation.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample size, the present pilot study supports the practice of prevesical peritoneum interposition to limit the risk of rectovaginal fistula in patients who undergo H-CR for deep endometriosis.

Structured Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reports for Patients with Suspected Endometriosis: Guide for Imagers and Clinicians

In this article we propose a structured imaging report applied to ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with suspected endometriosis.

Outcomes after rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis: a systematic literature review

PURPOSE

"Endometriosis" is defined such as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. This ectopic condition may develop as deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) when a solid mass is located deeper than 5 mm underneath the peritoneum including the intestinal wall. The ideal surgical treatment is still under search, and treatment may range from simple shaving to rectal resection. The aim of the present systematic review is to report and analyze the postoperative outcomes after rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review according to Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The search was carried out in the PubMed database, using the keywords: "rectal resection" AND "endometriosis" and "rectosigmoid resection" AND "endometriosis." The search revealed 380 papers of which 78 were fully analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles published between 1998 and 2017 were included. Three thousand seventy-nine patients (mean age 34.28 ± 2.46) were included. Laparoscopic approach was the most employed (90.3%) followed by the open one (7.9%) and the robotic one (1.7%). Overall operative time was 238.47 ± 66.82. Conversion rate was 2.7%. In more than 80% of cases, associated procedures were performed. Intraoperative complications were observed in 1% of cases. The overall postoperative complications rate was 18.5% (571 patients), and the most frequent complication was recto-vaginal fistula (74 patients, 2.4%). Postoperative mortality rate was 0.03% and mean hospital stay was 8.88 ± 3.71 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the large and extremely various number of associated procedures, rectosigmoid resection is a feasible and safe technique to treat endometriosis.

Use of indocyanine green in endometriosis surgery

OBJECTIVE

To report and visually demonstrate the feasibility of using indocyanine green (ICG) in endometriosis surgery and to discuss potential benefits.

DESIGN

ICG fluorescent imaging has been validated to assess tissue perfusion with clinical use in many medical fields, including gynecology and digestive surgery, but has not described in endometriosis surgery for bowel assessment. To our knowledge, there is no validated, objective, intraoperative method to assess the vascularity of the operated bowel in endometriosis surgery, a potentially good indicator for postoperative fistula formation. Our center is conducting a registered clinical trial examining the use of ICG to evaluate the bowel vascularization after endometriosis rectal shaving surgery, and the potential role in reducing fistula rates (Institutional Review Board no 2016-002773-35).

SETTING

Tertiary university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Three patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with the use of a rectal shaving procedure.

INTERVENTIONS(S)

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for DIE with a rectal shaving procedure were injected with ICG intravenously at the end of endometriosis resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual assessment of the rectal shaving area was assessed as fluoresced or not with the use of a Likert-type scale (0 = no fluorescence; 4 = very good fluorescence).

RESULT(S)

After ICG injection, all three patients have showed very good fluorescence levels at the rectal shaving area with no adverse reactions. Other uses of ICG are demonstrated throughout the video (vaginal cuff, ureter, and ovary assessment).

CONCLUSION(S)

ICG fluorescent imaging is feasible in endometriosis surgery, and there is an ongoing trial to determine if its use reduces postoperative fistula formation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03080558.

Choosing the right surgical technique for deep endometriosis: shaving, disc excision, or bowel resection?

Deep endometriosis (DE) remains the most difficult endometriotic entity to treat. Medical treatment for DE can reduce symptoms but does not cure the disease, and surgical removal of the lesion is required when lesions are symptomatic, impairing bowel, urinary, sexual, and reproductive functions. Although several surgical techniques such as laparoscopic bowel resection, disc excision, and rectal shaving have been described, there is no consensus regarding the choice of technique or the timing of surgery. Our review of publications reporting results and complications of surgery for rectovaginal DE reveals a relatively higher complication rate after bowel resection compared with shaving and disc excision, especially for rectovaginal fistulas, anastomotic leakage, delayed hemorrhage, and long-term bladder catheterization. Data show that shaving is feasible even in advanced disease. The risk of immediate complications after shaving and disc excision is probably lower than after colorectal resection, allowing for better functional outcomes. The presumed higher risk of recurrence related to shaving has not been demonstrated. For these reasons, surgeons should consider rectal shaving as a first-line surgical treatment of rectovaginal DE, regardless of nodule size or association with other digestive localizations. When the result of rectal shaving is unsatisfactory (rare cases), disc excision may be performed either exclusively by laparoscopy or by using transanal staplers. Segmental resection may ultimately be reserved for advanced lesions responsible for major stenosis or for several cases of multiple nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid junction or sigmoid colon.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery in the management of rectal wall endometriosis

A 29-year-old woman with known history of endometriosis was referred to colorectal outpatient clinic from gynaecology with a history of intermittent rectal bleeding and no associated bowel symptoms. Flexible sigmoidoscopy in concordance with pelvic MRI revealed a 3×2×2 cm sessile lesion in the anterior rectal wall. The lesion was also palpable as a firm mass on digital rectal examination. From the gynaecological point of view no intra-abdominal exploration was required; the sole rectal wall lesion was removed with the minimally invasive surgical technique of transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Full thickness rectal wall excision sample was reported to be histologically complete and confirmed endometriosis. No recurrence was detected at endoscopic follow-up at 6 months. The patient remained symptom free. Therefore, we demonstrated a case of minimally invasive removal of a rectal wall large endometriosis nodule in a fertile woman with a complete, symptomatic, uneventful recovery.

Full-Thickness Excision versus Shaving by Laparoscopy for Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Rationale and Potential Treatment Options

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial mucosa (glands and stroma) abnormally implanted in locations other than the uterine cavity. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is considered the most aggressive presentation of the disease, penetrating more than 5 mm in affected tissues, and it is reported in approximately 20% of all women with endometriosis. DIE can cause a complete distortion of the pelvic anatomy and it mainly involves uterosacral ligaments, bladder, rectovaginal septum, rectum, and rectosigmoid colon. This review describes the state of the art in laparoscopic approach for DIE with a special interest in intestinal involvement, according to recent literature findings. Our attention has been focused particularly on full-thickness excision versus shaving technique in deep endometriosis intestinal involvement. Particularly, the aim of this paper is clarifying from the clinical and methodological points of view the best surgical treatment of deep intestinal endometriosis, since there is no standard of care in the literature and in different surgical settings. Indeed, this review tries to suggest when it is advisable to manage the full-thickness excision or the shaving technique, also analyzing perioperative management, main complications, and surgical outcomes.

Nonoperative management of an anastomotic leak following rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis for Stage IV endometriosis

Anastomotic leakage is a dreaded complication of gastrointestinal surgery. The complication is difficult to manage and is associated with prolonged hospitalizations and increased morbidity and mortality. We present the nonsurgical management and the use of a fibrin sealant for an anastomotic leak that followed rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis for Stage IV endometriosis. This approach requires a clinically stable patient who is willing to follow-up over a prolonged period of time until the leak is completely sealed. Tissue sealants can be considered when an air leak or fistulous tract persists despite drainage and antibiotics.