Recurrence after surgery for endometrioma: a systematic review and meta-analyses

IMPORTANCE

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, with different forms of expression and a variety of complaints. An endometrioma, an ovarian cyst with endometrium-like lining, is one of the most common expressions of abdominal endometriosis. These endometriomas can, in addition to medical treatment, be treated surgically. After surgery, hormonal therapy is still frequently used for the treatment of endometriosis in general and prevention of recurrence of endometriomas specifically. However, not all women want or can receive postoperative hormonal treatment. It is important for this group to determine the risk of anatomical recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after surgery for an endometrioma.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the recurrence rate for surgically treated endometrioma without postoperative hormonal treatment.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analyses, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched until May 2023. The literature search was limited to women with endometrioma who received surgical treatment without postoperative hormonal treatment.

STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS

A distinction was made in study design including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort and retrospective studies. For assessment of risk of bias, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions assessment tool were used.

MAIN OUTCOMES

The outcome measure included in this review was endometrioma recurrence.

RESULTS

We screened 5,367 articles, of which 97 were systematically reviewed and 55 were included in this systematic review. Twelve of these were RCTs, 11 were prospective cohort studies, and 32 were retrospective studies. Nine RCTs had a low risk of bias. For non-RCTs, only 3 studies had a low risk of bias. Data of 23 studies were pooled in meta-analyses, performed for follow-up periods of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. These studies showed recurrence rates of 4%, 14%, 17%, and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

In the meta-analysis, at 24 months after surgery, the endometrioma recurrence rate showed a weighted mean of up to 27%. In this study, we aimed to determine the recurrence rate of endometrioma after surgical treatment in women without postoperative hormonal treatment use. The recurrence rates were up to 27%.

Assessing the impact of hormonal contraceptive use on menstrual health among women of reproductive age - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Contraceptive methods are well-established in their ability to prevent pregnancy and increase individual agency in childbearing. Evidence suggests that contraceptives can also be used to treat adverse conditions associated with menstruation, including abnormal and prolonged uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful menstruation, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders.This review investigates the effects of contraceptive techniques such as contraceptive pills, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g. intrauterine devices, implants) on menstrual morbidity.

METHODS

Over ten databases with no geographical boundaries were searched from inception until October 2023. Study designs were one of the following types to be included: parallel or cluster randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies, interrupted time series studies, cohort or longitudinal analyses, regression discontinuity designs, and case-control studies. Ten team members screened the papers in pairs with a Kappa score of more than 7, and Covidence was used. Conflicts were resolved by discussion, and the full papers were divided among the reviewers to extract the data from eligible studies.

RESULTS

Hormonal contraceptives are considered a well-tolerated, non-invasive, and clinically effective treatment for abnormal and prolonged uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful menstruation, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. Our studies investigating quality of life or well-being in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids have found improvements in all dimensions assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonal contraceptives significantly reduce pain, symptom severity, and abnormal bleeding patterns associated with women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Effect of hormonal treatment on evolution of endometriomas: An observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evolution of endometriomas with or without medical treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was performed at the Gynaecological Center, Hôpital La Conception (Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille). We reviewed clinical data of patients with at least one endometrioma diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and at least one other MRI exam after more than three months. Patients were divided into groups receiving medical treatment and without medical treatment (high-dose progestins, low-dose progestins or combined contraceptives). The primary objective was to evaluate the evolution of endometriomas with or without hormonal treatment. The primary evaluation criterion was the diameter of the endometriomas, and the secondary evaluation criterion was the number of endometriomas for each patient observed. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether different categories of hormonal treatment have different efficacity in the evolution of endometriomas.

RESULTS

We included 68 patients, 39 (57,4%) with hormonal treatment and 29 (42,6%) without hormonal treatment. There were 105 total endometriomas identified at the first MRI, 52 in patients with hormonal treatment and 53 in patients without treatment. The mean diameter of the endometriomas in patients with hormonal treatment was 31,48 ± 18,1 mm at the first MRI and 23,60 ± 15,3 mm at the second MRI. The mean diameter of the endometriomas in patients without treatment was 33,57 ± 19,7 mm at the first MRI and 40,11 ± 25,7 mm at the second MRI (statistically significant difference, p = 0.01). The mean number of endometriomas in patients with treatment was 1,79 ± 1,1 at the first MRI and 1,18 ± 0,9 at the second MRI, while the mean number of endometriomas in patients without hormonal treatment was 1,38 ± 0,6 at the first MRI and 1,97 ± 1,5 at the second MRI (difference not statistically significant, p = 0.38). The subgroup analysis differentiated by category of hormonal treatment did not show statistically significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that there is a positive effect of hormonal treatment on reducing the diameter of endometriomas and also a significative increase in endometrioma size in the absence of treatment. There is no evidence of an advantage of a single category of hormonal treatment on this effect on endometriomas. Thus, any medical treatment could be proposed as a first-line therapy for endometriomas that would reduce the size of the endometrioma and thereby help to avoid surgical intervention.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Dienogest Compared with Combined Oral Contraceptives after Surgery for Endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness of different strategies, including the dienogest (DNG) and combined oral contraceptives (COC) therapy, for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence after surgery.

DESIGN

A decision tree model was created. The analysis was based on data from a healthcare provider in China. Model inputs were derived from published data. The end points included incremental cost effectiveness ratio, net monetary benefit (NMB), and incremental NMB associated with prevention of recurrence. The uncertainty was assessed through one way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 checklist was used to assess quality of the reporting.

SETTING

China healthcare system.

PATIENTS

Individuals undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

INTERVENTIONS

DNG vs COC.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The base case analysis showed that hormone supression via DNG resulted in 0.7493 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a cost of $1625.49 compared with COC, which resulted in 0.7346 QALYs at a cost of $343.61. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio was $87 679.89 per additional QALY gained and the DNG treatment was associated with an incremental NMB of -$731.39. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that DNG is not cost-effective in most cases at a threshold consistent with World Health Organisation recommendations of $37 653/QALY.

CONCLUSION

The result of our present analysis suggests that the DNG might not be cost-effective for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence after surgery in China.

Estro-Progestins and Pain Relief in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a benign, hormone-responsive chronic disease that affects women of reproductive age; long-term treatment to balance satisfactory tolerability with clinical efficacy is necessary for these patients. The first-line therapy for endometriosis is predominantly medical treatment, in order to improve symptoms or prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. Multiple factors including age and women preference, pain severity, and endometriosis stage must be considered in the choice of the most suitable therapy. Estrogen-progestogins are generally used as first-line hormone therapies among different medical options currently effective for endometriosis management. Several studies have shown that they are able to improve pain symptoms in most patients, are well tolerated, and are inexpensive. Combined hormonal contraception treatment, administered cyclically or continuously, with different types of hormones and route of administration, results in clinically noticeable decrease in dysmenorrhea, noncyclic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and recurrence rate after surgery, and also in quality of life improvement.

Hormonal treatments for endometriosis: The endocrine background

Endometriosis is a benign uterine disorder characterized by menstrual pain and infertility, deeply affecting women's health. It is a chronic disease and requires a long term management. Hormonal drugs are currently the most used for the medical treatment and are based on the endocrine pathogenetic aspects. Estrogen-dependency and progesterone-resistance are the key events which cause the ectopic implantation of endometrial cells, decreasing apoptosis and increasing oxidative stress, inflammation and neuroangiogenesis. Endometriotic cells express AMH, TGF-related growth factors (inhibin, activin, follistatin) CRH and stress related peptides. Endocrine and inflammatory changes explain pain and infertility, and the systemic comorbidities described in these patients, such as autoimmune (thyroiditis, arthritis, allergies), inflammatory (gastrointestinal/urinary diseases) and mental health disorders.The hormonal treatment of endometriosis aims to block of menstruation through an inhibition of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis or by causing a pseudodecidualization with consequent amenorrhea, impairing the progression of endometriotic implants. GnRH agonists and antagonists are effective on endometriosis by acting on pituitary-ovarian function. Progestins are mostly used for long term treatments (dienogest, NETA, MPA) and act on multiple sites of action. Combined oral contraceptives are also used for reducing endometriosis symptoms by inhibiting ovarian function. Clinical trials are currently going on selective progesterone receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. Nowadays, all these hormonal drugs are considered the first-line treatment for women with endometriosis to improve their symptoms, to postpone surgery or to prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. This review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the current and future hormonal treatments for endometriosis, exploring the endocrine background of the disease.

Long-term treatment of endometriosis-related pain among women seeking hormonal contraception

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the different effects of a progestin-only contraceptive with desogestrel (DSG) vs combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for a first line long-term treatment of endometriosis-related pain among patients seeking hormonal contraception.

METHODS

An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in collaboration with a local outpatient clinic for endometriosis among a group of nulliparous young women (n = 216) with endometriosis-related pain and seeking contraception. The cohort was subdivided into a group (n = 73) treated as first line by DSG and another group (n = 75) treated by a COC. During the study, clinical symptoms, side effects and possible changes in OC type use were recorded.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of clinical characteristics and pain scores before treatment. After 6 months both treatments were effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain, and those treated with DSG showed lower levels of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and nonmenstrual pelvic pain than COCs group (p < .01). After 12 months, in DSG Group some patients (15%) switched from DSG to a COC for breakthrough bleeding, whereas in COC Group 48% of patients switched to another type of COC for reduced efficacy on pain and/or for side effects. After 3 years of OC treatment, in DSG Group 79% of patients maintained the same therapy, whereas in COC Group only 14% continued the same COC type, 37% switched to another COC and 47% to DSG.

CONCLUSIONS

A progestin-only contraceptive with DSG is a valid option for long term management of endometriosis-related pain in patients seeking hormonal contraception.

Maintenance Therapy for Preventing Endometrioma Recurrence after Endometriosis Resection Surgery-A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of different hormone therapies in preventing postoperative endometrioma recurrence.

DATA SOURCES

The MEDLINE, COCHRANE and Embase electronic databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2021.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies including reproductive age women with endometriosis undergoing ovarian cystectomy or excision of endometriotic lesions compared the effects of postoperative adjuvant therapy [gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa)] and postoperative maintenance hormone interventions for more than one year [i.e., oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), dienogest (DNG), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNGIUS)] on endometrioma recurrence .

TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS

Data collection and analysis of the data were independently performed by two reviewers. A total of 11 studies were included, of which 2 were RCTs, and 9 were cohort studies. There were 2394 patients with 6 interventions (cases: 1665, 69.6%) and expectant management (cases: 729, 30.4%). Relative treatment effects were estimated using network meta-analysis (NMA) and ranked in descending order. The clinical effectiveness of these drugs (versus expectant management) was as follows: GnRHa plus DNG [odds ratio (OR), 0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.27], surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA)= 94.0; DNG (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.32), SUCRA= 69.7; GnRHa plus OCP (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.64), SUCRA= 63.4; GnRHa plus LNGIUS (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.66), SUCRA= 59.4; and OCP (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.13-0.36), SUCRA= 43.6. The effectiveness of GnRHa (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.12-1.89), SUCRA= 17.3 was not significantly different from that of controls.

CONCLUSION

In NMA, combined postoperative adjuvant therapy and longer maintenance hormone treatment are better than a single agent in preventing postoperative endometrioma recurrence. GnRHa plus DNG maintenance treatment might be the most effective intervention. Large-scale RCTs of these agents are still required.

REGISTRATION OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS

Date of PROSPERO registration: 17 April 2021.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021247291.

Postoperative hormonal treatment for prevention of endometrioma recurrence after ovarian cystectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of hormonal regimens for the prevention of endometrioma recurrence in women who have undergone conservative surgery is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of different hormonal regimens in this context and to rank them.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched through January 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cohorts, comparing the effect of any pair of interventions (i.e. cyclic oral contraceptives [OC], continuous OC, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist [GnRHa], dienogest [DNG], levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system [LNG-IUS] and expectant management) on endometrioma recurrence were selected.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. Relative treatment effects were estimated using network meta-analysis (NMA) and ranked in descending order.

MAIN RESULTS

Six RCTs (675 patients) and 16 cohorts (3089 patients) were included. NMA of the RCTs involving expectant management, cyclic OC, continuous OC, GnRHa and GnRHa + LNG-IUS, showed that all hormonal regimens had a nonsignificant lower risk of endometrioma recurrence compared with expectant management. NMA of the cohorts involving expectant, cyclic OC, continuous OC, GnRHa, DNG, LNG-IUS, GnRHa + OC, and GnRHa + LNG-IUS indicated that LNG-IUS, DNG, continuous OC, GnRHa + OC and cyclic OC had a significantly lower risk of endometrioma recurrence than expectant management. LNG-IUS was ranked highest, followed by DNG and GnRHa + LNG-IUS. Long-term use of hormonal treatment either OC or progestin had a significantly lower risk of endometrioma recurrence than expectant treatment.

CONCLUSION

In the NMA of RCTs, there was no evidence supporting hormonal treatment for postoperative prevention of endometrioma recurrence. This was at odds with the cohort evidence, which found the protective effect of OC and progestin regimens, especially long-term treatment. Large-scale RCTs of these agents are still required.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Hormonal regimens given as long-term treatment tend to reduce risk of endometrioma recurrence after conservative surgery.

Abdominal Wall Endometriosis: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

Background and objectives: Abdominal wall endometriosis, also known as scar endometriosis, is a rare condition that is becoming increasingly common. The recent rise in incidence is attributed primarily to the surge of cesarean births, figures that could be influenced in a positive manner considering the improvements brought towards the ultrasound diagnostic methods that have been made in recent years. Materials and Methods: Here we report the cases of two Caucasian women of 38- (G2P2) and 36-years old (G1P1), both subjected to an ultrasound examination due to a specific symptomatic panel reported during anamnesis. Independently of the current status, in the first patient, there were no reported symptom-specific associations with endometriosis, but she had a known history of mild hereditary thrombophilia; the second woman suffered from two conditions positively associated with endometriosis. Results: In both cases, abnormal structures were revealed, with the diagnostic(s) of endometriosis being histologically confirmed based on a set of features observed during the investigation. Conclusions: This paper aims to highlight the importance of reducing cesarean births and to consider the diagnosis of scar endometriosis in women with a history of obstetric or gynaecological surgeries who present with cyclic, recurrent abdominal pain.

The perioperative period: a critical yet neglected time window for reducing the recurrence risk of endometriosis?

While surgery is commonly the management of symptomatic endometriosis when patients do not respond to medical or supportive therapy, recurrence after surgery poses a serious challenge, and repeat surgery increases the risk of premature ovarian failure, adhesion and organ injury. Conceivably, the recurrent endometriotic lesions could arise from minimal residual lesions (MRLs) or from de novo lesions. However, several lines of evidence suggest that the former is more likely. So far, most, if not all, efforts to combat recurrence have been focused on postoperative medication of hormonal drugs to reduce recurrence risk through lesional dormancy and possibly atrophy. However, the perioperative period may exert a disproportionally high impact on the risk of recurrence; it is likely to be amendable for possible intervention but has been generally neglected. Indeed, many perioperative factors are known to or conceivably could facilitate the recurrence of endometriosis through the suppression of cell-mediated immunity due to the activation of adrenergic signaling and the release of prostaglandins. Perioperative use of β-blockers and/or nuclear factor κB/jCycloxygenase 2 (NF-κB/COX-2) inhibitors may boost the cell-mediated immunity suppressed by surgery, resulting in the partial or even complete removal of MRLs and reduced recurrence risk. This is both biologically plausible and supported by a recent experimental study. We call for more research on possible perioperative interventions to reduce the recurrence risk of endometriosis. The potential payoff might be a substantial reduction in the risk of recurrence and cost when compared with the traditional approach of postoperative intervention.

Clinical characteristics difference between early and late recurrence of ovarian endometriosis after laparoscopic cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Ovarian endometriosis is the most frequent type of endometriosis. Despite the use of surgery and medication, many patients suffer from recurrence within near future. Currently, there are no effective clinical characteristics available to predict the time to recurrence in ovarian endometriosis patients.

PURPOSE

To identify the effective clinical indicators for early and late endometrioma recurrence, we compared the clinical characteristics of early and late recurrence after treatment.

METHODS

We collected 358 patients with ovarian endometriosis who had a minimum of 5 years of postoperative follow-up after undergoing a laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to April 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 358 patients were recruited in the validation set, with a median follow-up time of 83 months (60-120 months). Till the last follow-up, 68 patients exhibited recurrence. Three-year and 5-year recurrence rates were 9.2% and 15.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis in our study showed that patient with endometrioma surgery history had higher incidence of recurrence in 3 years after re-surgery (OR: 5.594, P = 0.029). Univariate and multivariate analyses using the logistic regression showed that the presence of tenesmus before surgery affected the incidence of early recurrence with a ratio of 57.9% (11/19) and 89.5% (17/19) in 3 years and 5 years after surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of tenesmus before surgery may be linked to the early recurrence of endometrioma.

Age at surgery and recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgery: a meta-analysis including 3125 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between age at surgery and recurrence rate of endometrioma. Data sources PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to October 2019.

METHODS

We determined the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between age at surgery and the recurrence rate of endometrioma after surgery. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression was used to assess any publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 3125 patients from 10 studies were finally enrolled in this meta-analysis. The recurrence rate decreased with increasing age (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91-0.95, P = 0.451). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the pooled RR was 0.926 (95% CI 0.906-0.947, P < 0.001) for a cut-off < 35, and 0.886 (95% CI 0.775-1.040, P = 0.14) for a cut-off ≥ 35. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test showed no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that younger age might be a high-risk factor for the recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgery.

Rethinking mechanisms, diagnosis and management of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which causes pelvic pain and infertility. This disease should be viewed as a public health problem with a major effect on the quality of life of women as well as being a substantial economic burden. In light of the considerable progress with diagnostic imaging (for example, transvaginal ultrasound and MRI), exploratory laparoscopy should no longer be used to diagnose endometriotic lesions. Instead, diagnosis of endometriosis should be based on a structured process involving the combination of patient interviews, clinical examination and imaging. Notably, a diagnosis of endometriosis often leads to immediate surgery. Therefore, rethinking the diagnosis and management of endometriosis is warranted. Instead of assessing endometriosis on the day of the diagnosis, gynaecologists should consider the patient's 'endometriosis life'. Medical treatment is the first-line therapeutic option for patients with pelvic pain and no desire for immediate pregnancy. In women with infertility, careful consideration should be made regarding whether to provide assisted reproductive technologies prior to performing endometriosis surgery. Modern endometriosis management should be individualized with a patient-centred, multi-modal and interdisciplinary integrated approach.

Recurrent endometriosis: a battle against an unknown enemy

Recurrence of endometriosis after conservative surgery is not an uncommon finding. There is no uniformity, however, on what the term 'recurrence' means. Recurrence is variously defined in the literature as the relapse of pain, clinical or instrumental detection of an endometriotic lesion, repeat rise in CA 125 levels, or evidence of recurrence found during repeat surgery. Consequently, the reported recurrence rate varies widely (0-89%) in the different series, depending on its definition and the type of study performed. As endometriosis recurrence seems to be an indeterminate enemy, we set out to examine exactly what we were fighting in our everyday battle. In this narrative review, we aimed to seek an answer to questions related to endometriosis recurrence, some of which are often asked by our patients.

Risk factors for postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis: long-term follow-up of 358 women

Objective

To explore the risk factors for the recurrence of endometrioma and the risk factors for the recurrence of endometriosis-related pain after long-term follow-up.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 358 women with endometriomas who had a minimum of 5-years follow up after laparoscopic endometrioma excision, which was performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to April 2013. All women were divided into recurrence group and nonrecurrence group. Analysis was performed with regard to preoperative history, laboratory analysis, findings during surgery, and symptoms during follow-up, including improvement and recurrence.

Results

The cumulative incidence rates of recurrence from 5 to 10 years after surgery were 15.4, 16.8, 19.3, 22.5, 22.5, and 22.5%, respectively. Significant differences were found between two groups in terms of age at surgery (RR: 0.764, 95% CI: 0.615–0.949, p = 0.015), duration of dysmenorrhea (RR: 1.120, 95% CI: 1.054–1.190, p < 0.001), presence of adenomyosis (RR: 1.629, 95% CI: 1.008–2.630, p = 0.046), CA125 level (RR: 1.856, 95% CI: 1.072–3.214, p = 0.021) and severity of dysmenorrhea. The severity of dysmenorrhea (RR: 1.711, 95% CI: 1.175–2.493, p = 0.005) and postoperative pregnancy (RR: 0.649, 95% CI: 0.460–0.914, p = 0.013) were significantly correlated with endometrioma recurrence in the multivariate analysis. No significant associations were found between the recurrence rate and gravida, parity, body mass index, infertility, leiomyoma presence, the size of ovarian endometrioma, the presence of deep infiltrating endometriosis, disease stage or postoperative medication.

Conclusions

The severity of dysmenorrhea and postoperative pregnancy were independent risk factors for the recurrence of ovarian endometriomas after surgery during the long-time follow up.

Contralateral ovarian endometrioma recurrence after unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Background

The recurrence rate after unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO) for unilateral endometrioma has not been reported. We evaluated the rate of and risk factors for endometrioma recurrence after USO.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled 110 women (age, 35–45 years) who underwent laparoscopic USO (n = 50) or cystectomy (n = 60) for unilateral ovarian endometrioma from January 2010 through December 2012. We compared patients’ characteristics between patients who underwent USO and those who underwent cystectomy. We also compared patients with and without an endometrioma recurrence after USO using univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression models to identify recurrence risk factors. Endometrioma recurrence was defined as an ovarian cyst (> 2 cm) with features typical of an endometrioma identified by postoperative transvaginal sonography.

Results

Endometrioma recurred in 8 (16%) patients after USO (mean follow-up, 46.0 ± 12.9 months [range, 15–73]). The post-USO cumulative recurrence rates at 12, 24, 36, and 60 months were 8.0, 10.2, 12.7, and 24.7%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier analysis). In logistic regression analysis, a contralateral side adhesion score ≥ 4 was an independent risk factor for endometrioma recurrence after USO (odds ratio, 19.48, 95% confidence interval, 1.59–237.72). The post-USO cumulative recurrence rates at 12, 24, 36, and 57 months were 19.5, 24.1, 31.0, and 54.0%, respectively, in cases with contralateral side adhesion scores ≥4, and 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, and 5.9%, respectively, in cases with scores < 4 (log-rank test, P = 0.0023).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report on the recurrence rate and risk factors associated with recurrence after USO. Endometrioma recurrence rates were 24.7% during the first 5 years after USO. The post-USO recurrence rate increased significantly in cases with contralateral side adhesions. Our findings could improve the planning of USO and patient selection for postoperative hormonal therapy.

Hormonal contraception in women with endometriosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was carried out of studies of women with endometriosis, to examine the evidence for efficacy of the use of hormonal contraception to improve disease-related pain and decrease postoperative risk of disease recurrence.

METHODS

A search of the Medline/PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify all published English language studies on hormonal contraceptive therapies (combined hormonal contraceptives [CHCs], combined oral contraceptives [COCs], progestin-only pills [POPs] and progestin-only contraceptives [POCs]) in women with a validated endometriosis diagnosis, in comparison with placebo, comparator therapies or other hormonal therapies. Main outcome measures were endometriosis-related pain (dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain and dyspareunia), quality of life (QoL) and postoperative rate of disease recurrence during treatment.

RESULTS

CHC and POC treatments were associated with clinically significant reductions in dysmenorrhoea, often accompanied by reductions in non-cyclical pelvic pain and dyspareunia and an improvement in QoL. Only two COC preparations (ethinylestradiol [EE]/norethisterone acetate [NETA] and a flexible EE/drospirenone regimen) demonstrated significantly increased efficacy compared with placebo. Only three studies found that the postoperative use of COCs (EE/NETA, EE/desogestrel and EE/gestodene) reduced the risk of disease recurrence. There was no evidence that POCs reduced the risk of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

CHCs and POCs are effective for the relief of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain and dyspareunia, and improve QoL. Some COCs decreased the risk of disease recurrence after conservative surgery, but POCs did not. There is insufficient evidence, however, to reach definitive conclusions about the overall superiority of any particular hormonal contraceptive.

Dienogest therapy during the early stages of recurrence of endometrioma might be an alternative therapeutic option to avoid repeat surgeries

AIM

We aimed to evaluate whether hormonal therapy immediately after postsurgical recurrence of ovarian endometrioma controls disease progression and can be an alternative therapeutic option to avoid multiple repeat surgeries.

METHODS

We enrolled 146 patients treated for endometrioma at the University Hospital of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between 2009 and 2015. After laparoscopic cystectomy using the stripping technique, opening of cul-de-sac obliterations and complete resection of the deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, the patients either received no treatment (n = 83), oral contraceptives (OC; n = 32) or dienogest (DNG; n = 27), depending on their medical history. Four patients were excluded because they changed their regimens during the follow-up period. All patients were followed up every 3 months. Patients who developed recurrence of endometrioma immediately received DNG, OC or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 patients developed a recurrence of the endometrioma (12 in the nontreatment group, three in the OC group and one in the DNG group). The 11 patients with recurrence were treated with DNG immediately after the diagnosis of recurrent endometrioma. Among them, seven patients continued treatment with DNG (2 mg) for 24 months. After 24 months of treatment with DNG, complete resolution of recurrent endometrioma was achieved in four (57.1%) of seven patients. There was no improvement in the three patients who received OC and one patient who underwent secondary surgery.

CONCLUSION

DNG therapy early after recurrence of postsurgical endometrioma appears to be viable for reducing the risk of repeated surgery.

Comparison of the efficacy of diegnogest and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis

AIM

To compare the efficacy between dienogest and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

METHODS

A total of 285 women were diagnosed as endometriosis by laparoscopy between 2011 and 2015. Patients were grouped into no treatment (n = 83), treatment with dienogest (n =130) and treatment with LNG-IUS (n =72) after laparoscopic surgery. The changes of the pain scores were checked at 6, 12 and 24 months after the surgery, and the rates of disease recurrence and treatment discontinuation rate were determined.

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 38.9 years (range 21-54 years). The mean age of LNG-IUS group (43.7 years) was significantly higher than the no treatment and dienogest groups (39.3 vs 33.9 years, respectively). At 6 and 12 months, the median pain scores in treatment (dienogest and LNG-IUS) groups were significantly lower than control group. Both treatment groups had significantly lower recurrence rate than control group (3.8% and 9.7%, respectively, vs 32.5%, P =0.001). No significant difference was found in the recurrence rate between the two treatment groups (P =0.461). Patients in the LNG-IUS group showed lower rate of discontinuation due to complication (27.8%) than those in dienogest group (35.6%, P =0.010).

CONCLUSION

LNG-IUS treatment in the patients with endometriosis is effective for postoperative pain control and preventing recurrence, however, the LNG-IUS group is older, it is difficult to compare the efficacy between dienogest and LNG-IUS in present study.

[Endometriosis medical treatment: Hormonal treatment for the management of pain and endometriotic lesions recurrence. CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]

The available literature, from 2006 to 2017, on hormonal treatment has been analysed as a contribution to the HAS-CNGOF task force for the treatment of endometriosis. Available data are heterogeneous and the general level of evidence is moderate. Hormonal treatment is usually offered as the primary option to women suffering from endometriosis. It cannot be used in women willing to conceive. In women who have not been operated, the first line of hormonal treatment includes combined oral contraceptives (COC) and the levonorgestrel-releasing intra uterine system (52mg LNG-IUS). As a second line, desogestrel progestin only pills, etonogestrel implants, GnRH analogs (GnRHa) with add back therapy and dienogest can be offered. Add back therapy should include estrogens to prevent bone loss and improve quality of life, it can be introduced before the third month of treatment to prevent side effects. The literature does not support preoperative hormonal treatment for the sole purpose of reducing complications or recurrence, or facilitating surgical procedures. After surgical treatment, hormonal treatment is recommended to prevent pain recurrence and improve quality of life. COCs or LNG IUS are recommended as a first line. To prevent recurrence of endometriomas COC is advised and maintained as long as tolerance is good in the absence of pregnancy plans. In case of dysmenorrhea, postoperative COC should be used in a continuous scheme. GnRHa are not recommended in the sole purpose of reducing endometrioma recurrence risk.

Progestins for the Treatment of Endometriosis: An Update

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, including 25–40% of infertile women. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain are the most common symptoms. Currently available medical therapies for endometriosis do not cure the disease, but are directed at symptom relief, typically utilizing the hormone responsiveness of endometriotic tissue to induce lesion atrophy. Unfortunately, pain relapse after treatment suspension is a common event. Treatment with pharmacological therapies for endometriosis should be conceived in terms of years, thus agents that must be withdrawn after a few months due to poor tolerability or severe metabolic side effects do not greatly benefit women with symptomatic endometriosis. The characteristics of progestins render this class an ideal pharmacological choice for administration over extended periods. The present paper will review the rationale for using progestins and their mechanism of action in endometriosis. Thereafter, the results obtained by various progestins in the treatment of endometriosis will be evaluated (danazol, gestrinone, norethisterone acetate, desogestrel, cyproterone acetate, megestrol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and levonorgestrel). A progestin called dienogest, recently introduced for the treatment of endometriosis, will be given special focus, describing its mechanism of action and clinical results.

[Medical treatment of endometriosis: Hormonal treatment of pain, impact on evolution and future perspectives]

CONTEXT

Endometriosis is a chronic painful disease, for which hormone therapy is usually offered as a first line option to women not willing to conceive.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and synthesize the literature, from 2006 onwards, on pain control, and disease evolution in oemn using combined hormonal contraceptives, progestins and GnRH analogs. Data on other current and future treatment perspectives is included as well.

SOURCES

Medline (Pubmed), the Cochrane Library, and endometriosis treatment recommendations published by European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Société des Obstétriciens et Gynécologues du Canada (SOGC).

STUDY SELECTION

Meta-analysis and clinical trials are included.

RESULTS

Study quality is heterogeneous in general. Hormone therapy inconstantly allows pain relief and prevention of endometrioma and rectovaginal wall nodules recurrence. Available molecules and routes of administration as well as risk benefit balance are evaluated. Data on future perspectives are limited to date and do not allow use in routine.

CONCLUSION

Hormonal treatment of endometriosis relies on combined hormonal contraceptives (using different routes of administration), progestins and particularly the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, and GnRH analogs as a last option, in combination with an add-back therapy. Promising alternatives are currently under preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Postoperative desogestrel for pelvic endometriosis-related pain: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of desogestrel for relieving endometriosis-related pain.

METHODS

A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 40 patients who had endometriosis with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain undergoing laparoscopic conservative surgery. After surgery, patients were randomized to desogestrel or placebo group. Outcomes included changes in visual analog scale (VAS) of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain and dyspareunia, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Forty patients were randomized to desogestrel group (n = 20) and placebo group (n = 20). At month 6, the desogestrel group had significantly lower median VAS of overall pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and noncyclic pelvic pain. Comparing with the placebo group, the desogestrel group had greater reduction in VAS of overall pain, dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain, but comparable reduction in VAS of dyspareunia. No patient in the desogestrel group but 4 patients in the placebo group still had moderate-to-severe pelvic pain at 6 months postoperatively. The proportion of patients who rated the treatment as very satisfied was higher in the desogestrel group than in the placebo group. There was no serious adverse event during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Desogestrel is effective and acceptable for postoperative therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe pain related to endometriosis.

Postoperative maintenance levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and endometrioma recurrence: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

According to 3 randomized trials, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system significantly reduced recurrent endometriosis-related pelvic pain at postoperative year 1. Only a few studies have evaluated the long-term effectiveness of the device for preventing endometrioma recurrence, and the effects of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system as a maintenance therapy remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether a maintenance levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is effective for preventing postoperative endometrioma recurrence.

STUDY DESIGN

From May 2011 through March 2012, a randomized controlled trial including 80 patients with endometriomas undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy followed by six cycles of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment was conducted. After surgery, the patients were randomized to groups that did or did not receive a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (intervention group, n = 40, vs control group, n = 40). The primary outcome was endometrioma recurrence 30 months after surgery. The secondary outcomes included dysmenorrhea, CA125 levels, noncyclic pelvic pain, and side effects.

RESULTS

Endometrioma recurrence at 30 months did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (the intervention group, 10 of 40, 25% vs the control group 15 of 40, 37.5%; hazard ratio, 0.60, 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.33, P = .209). The intervention group exhibited a lower dysmenorrhea recurrence rate, with an estimated hazard ratio of 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.83, P = .019). Over a 30 month follow-up, the intervention group exhibited a greater reduction in dysmenorrhea as assessed with a visual analog scale score (mean ± SD, 60.8 ± 25.5 vs 38.7 ± 25.9, P < .001, 95% confidence interval, 10.7-33.5), noncyclic pelvic pain visual analog scale score (39.1 ± 10.9 vs 30.1 ± 14.7, P = .014, 95% confidence interval, 1.9-16.1), and CA125 (median [interquartile range], -32.1 [-59.1 to 14.9], vs -15.6 [-33.0 to 5.0], P = .001) compared with the control group. The number-needed-to-treat benefit for dysmenorrhea recurrence at 30 months was 5. The number of recurrent cases requiring further surgical or hormone treatment in the intervention group (1 of 40, 2.5%, 95% confidence interval, -2.3% to 7.3%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (8 of 40, 20%, 95% confidence interval, 7.6-32.4%; P = .031).

CONCLUSION

Long-term maintenance therapy using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is not effective for preventing endometrioma recurrence.

The Efficacy of Postoperative Cyclic Oral Contraceptives after Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy to Prevent Endometrioma Recurrence in Adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Young age is a possible risk factor of endometriosis recurrence after surgery. However, the efficacy of postoperative medical treatment has not been well addressed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative medical treatment is as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 176 reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative laparoscopic surgery for pathology-confirmed endometrioma. Women were classified into 2 groups according to age: adolescents (20 years of age and younger, n = 34; group I) and reproductive-aged women (aged 25-35 years, n = 142; group II).

INTERVENTIONS

The same surgeon performed all of the surgeries for uniformity. Postoperatively, patients were treated monthly with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist depot for 3-6 months, followed by cyclic oral contraceptives.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Endometrioma recurrence was determined using ultrasonography. The recurrence rate of endometrioma was compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

During the treatment period (median, 41.0 months; range, 6-159 months), recurrence was noted in 8 cases (4.5%). After adjusting for confounders (which were statistically different between the groups), the cumulative proportion of recurrent endometriomas after 60 months was comparable between the 2 groups (5.3% in group I and 8.5% in group II).

CONCLUSION

Long-term postoperative medical treatment with cyclic oral contraceptives after a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist can be as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence.

The age-related recurrence of endometrioma after conservative surgery

OBJECTIVE

As endometrioma frequently recurs after conservative surgery, long-term postoperative medical treatment for the prevention of recurrence is necessary. However, it has not been elucidated whether long-term postoperative medical treatment is crucial to all patients until menopause. Thereupon, this study was conducted to evaluate the age-related recurrence patterns after conservative surgery for endometrioma.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed on a total of 420 reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative surgery for endometrioma between January 2000 and December 2010. Ultrasonography was used during the follow-up period to detect endometrioma recurrence. Patients were classified into two groups according to the use of postoperative medications. The first group was observation only, while the second received gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists followed by cyclic oral contraceptives. The cumulative recurrence rate of endometrioma was compared according to the age at surgery (20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-45 years) within each group. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the age between the two groups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration after surgery was 29.0 months (range 6-159 months) for all patients. After adjusting for parity, size and bilaterality of cyst, and stage with American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis which was statistically different, within the group of no treatment, the cumulative recurrence rate in 40-45 years (10.2%) was significantly lower compared with those in 20-29 years (43.3%; hazard ratio (HR)=0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01-0.52) and 30-39 years (22.5%; HR=0.19; 95% CI=0.04-0.92). However, there were no differences within the group of postoperative medical treatment. When we compared between the two groups, the cumulative recurrence rate was significantly different in 20-29 years (8.1 vs 43.3%; p<0.001) and 30-39 years (5.4 vs 22.5%; p=0.007), but there was no difference in 40-45 years (4.5 vs 10.2%; p=0.901).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results demonstrate that the risk of endometrioma recurrence decreases with age. After the age of forty, the recurrence rate does not differ according to the use of postoperative medication. Based on our results, postoperative medical treatment may be individualized according to the patient's age at the time of surgery. Further studies are needed to identify patients who may benefit from postoperative medication.

Determinant factors of postoperative recurrence of endometriosis: difference between endometrioma and pain

OBJECTIVE

Although the postoperative use of hormonal treatment for endometriosis is recommended in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology guidelines to prevent the recurrence of endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhoea, hormonal treatment may not be necessary for all patients who undergo surgical treatment for endometriosis. The aim of this study was to clarify the determinant factors that predict the recurrence of endometriosis after surgery in order to develop personalized hormonal treatment recommendations. Factors associated with the recurrence of endometrioma and pain were investigated independently to identify the likelihood of recurrence in each individual patient.

STUDY DESIGN

Between 2008 and 2013, 352 patients underwent surgery and were diagnosed with endometriosis based on pathological findings at the study hospital. Among these patients, 191 experienced a recurrence of endometrioma in the absence of pre- or postoperative hormonal treatment. Various clinical factors such as pre-operative pain, intra-operative findings and postoperative improvement of pain were compared between patients who experienced recurrence after surgery and those who did not.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year recurrence rate of endometrioma was 28.7% among the 191 patients who did not undergo pre- or postoperative hormonal treatment. Significant differences were detected in maximum tumour diameter, revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score (r-ASRM score), operative time and operative blood loss between patients in the recurrent endometrioma group and the non-recurrent endometrioma group; only the r-ASRM score was significantly correlated with recurrence of endometrioma in the multivariate analysis. The cumulative 5-year rate of persistent/recurrent pain was 33.4%. There were significant differences in the postoperative improvement of pain between the persistent/recurrent pain group and the non-recurrent pain group according to the univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the risk factors for recurrence of endometrioma differ from the risk factors for recurrence of pain. The use of postoperative hormonal treatment should be considered based on the dominant risk factors and needs of each patient.

Second surgery for recurrent unilateral endometriomas and impact on ovarian reserve: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact on ovarian reserve of second laparoscopic surgery for recurrent unilateral endometriomas.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

This study included patients who underwent stripping of endometriomas (diameter ≥4 cm) and were followed-up at our institution. Case subjects had second surgery for recurrent unilateral endometriomas (n = 18); control subjects had no recurrence and no second surgery (n = 18).

INTERVENTION(S)

This case-control study was based on a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database including patients who underwent surgery for endometriomas at our institution.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcome of the study was to assess the changes in antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels in each study group and between the two study groups. The secondary outcomes of the study were to assess the changes in basal FSH, antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian volume in each study group and between the two study groups.

RESULT(S)

In both study groups, primary surgery decreased AMH, increased basal FSH, and decreased the AFC of the operated ovary. Before second surgery, case subjects had AMH, basal FSH, and AFC similar to control subjects. After second surgery, case subjects had lower AMH, higher basal FSH, and lower AFC of the affected ovary than before surgery; the volume of the operated ovary was lower than that of the contralateral ovary.

CONCLUSION(S)

The laparoscopic stripping of recurrent ovarian endometriomas is associated with a high risk of ovarian reserve damage and ovarian failure.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02047838.

National German Guideline (S2k): Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis: Long Version - AWMF Registry No. 015-045

In this guideline, recommendations and standards for optimum diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are presented. They are based on the analysis of the available scientific evidence as published in prospective randomized and retrospective studies as well as in systematic reviews. The guideline working group consisted of experts from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

Risk factors for recurrence of ovarian endometriomas after surgical excision

Ovarian endometrioma is a common form of endometriosis, which may cause infertility, dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Although surgery is the treatment of choice for endometriomas, recurrence poses a formidable frustration. This study investigated potential risk factors of endometriomas recurrence, aiming to better understand its pathogenesis. A total of 307 patients with endometriomas were followed up for an average of 28.6 months and the 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative recurrence rate was 9.5%, 21.9%, and 29.2%, respectively. Twenty-one potential risk factors for endometriomas recurrence were evaluated using Cox's proportional hazards models. Total revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) score was significantly associated with higher recurrence (OR=1.858, 95% CI=1.122-3.075, P=0.016), as well as younger age at surgery (OR=0.953, 95% CI=0.915-0.992, P=0.020). Semiradical surgical treatment was defined as surgical removal of cyst plus hysterectomy with preservation of bilateral or unilateral ovary, and was a significant factor that was associated with lower recurrence than the conservative surgery (OR=0.318, 95% CI=0.107-0.951, P=0.040). Postoperative pregnancy was favorable factors for disease recurrence (OR=0.217, 95% CI=0.102-0.460, P=0.000). The results suggest that endometrioma recurrence is inversely associated with age at surgery and postoperative pregnancy, and may correlate with total rAFS score and conservative surgery method.