Complete surgery for low rectal endometriosis: long-term results of a 100-case prospective study. Ann Surg. 2010;251:887-895. [PMID: 20395847 DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181d9722d]

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.

Distribution of endometriosis phenotypes according to patients' age in adult women with surgical evaluation

STUDY QUESTION

What is the distribution of endometriosis phenotypes according to age in adult women undergoing surgery?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The phenotype of endometriosis did not significantly vary after 24 years old.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The phenotypic evolution of endometriosis over time remains unclear. While adolescents can exhibit any type of endometriosis lesions, ovarian endometriosis (OMA) and/or deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) tend to increase with age in young adults. In adulthood, understanding the evolution of lesions is crucial for disease management, but the literature on this subject is limited. This study aims to examine the distribution of endometriosis phenotypes in relation to age among adult patients requiring surgical treatment.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This observational cohort study included patients aged between ≥18 and ≤42 years, who underwent surgery for benign gynecological conditions at our institution between January 2004 and December 2022. A standardized questionnaire was completed for each patient during a face-to-face interview conducted by the surgeon in the month preceding surgery. Women with histologically proven endometriosis were included.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The distribution of endometriosis phenotypes (isolated superficial (SUP) endometriosis, OMA ± SUP, DIE ± SUP/OMA) was compared between young adults (≤24 years) and adults (>24 years) and among adults (25-28 years, 29-33 years, 34-38 years, 39 to ≤42 years) using univariate and multivariate analysis. The distribution of different subtypes of DIE (uterosacral ligament(s), vagina, bladder, intestine, and ureter), OMA size, and intensity of pain symptoms were also examined.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 1311 adult women with histologically proven endometriosis were included. In women aged 24 years or younger (n = 116), the distribution of endometriosis phenotypes differed significantly from women older than 24 years (n = 1195): The frequency of the DIE ± SUP/OMA phenotype was lower (41.4% versus 56.1%, respectively), while the rate of isolated superficial lesions was higher (from 32.0% versus 25.9%) (P = 0.001). In the group of women aged >24 years, a significantly higher proportion of vaginal DIE lesions (P = 0.012) and a lower proportion of uterosacral ligament DIE lesions (P = 0.004) were found compared to women aged ≤24 years. No significant differences were observed in terms of endometrioma size. Between the ages of 25 and 42 years, there were no significant changes in the distribution of endometriosis phenotypes after univariate and multivariate analysis. The distribution of subtype of DIE lesions did not significantly change with age between 25 and 42 years. Concerning pain symptom scores, there was a significant decrease with age for dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Inclusion of only surgical patients may have introduced a selection bias. Women referred to our center may have suffered from particularly severe clinical forms of endometriosis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study highlights that endometriosis presentation did not change with age in adult women. Further research on endometriosis phenotype evolution is necessary to assist practitioners in clinical decisions and treatment strategies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

None declared.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Questionnaire-based screening of adolescents and young adult women can identify markers associated with endometriosis

STUDY QUESTION

Do adolescents and young adult women (YAW) with histologically proven endometriosis present a specific clinical history?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Questionnaire screening of adolescents and YAW can identify clinical markers associated with histologically proven endometriosis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Some validated questionaries can contribute to an earlier endometriosis diagnosis in adults. None of these scores, however, have been validated for adolescents or YAW.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was an observational cross-sectional study using prospectively recorded data performed between January 2005 and January 2020 in a single university tertiary referral centre for endometriosis diagnosis and management. After a thorough surgical examination of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, women with histologically proven endometriosis were allocated to the endometriosis group, and symptomatic women without evidence of endometriosis were allocated to the endometriosis-free control group. The endometriotic patients were allocated into two sub-groups according to their age: adolescent (≤20 years) and YAW (21-24 years).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Adolescents and YAW ≤24 years of age were operated for a symptomatic benign gynaecological condition with signed informed consent. A standardized questionnaire was prospectively completed in the month before the surgery and included epidemiological data, pelvic pain scores, family history of endometriosis, and symptoms experienced during adolescence. The study searched for correlations by univariate analysis to determine clinical markers of endometriosis in adolescents and YAW compared with endometriosis-free control patients.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of the 262 study participants, 77 women were adolescents (≤20 years of age) and 185 patients (70.6%) were YAW. The endometriosis group included 118 patients (45.0%) and 144 (55.0%) were assigned to the control group. A family history of endometriosis, absenteeism from school during menstruation, history of fainting spells during menstruation, and prescription of oral contraceptive pills for intense dysmenorrhea were significantly more frequently observed in the endometriotic patients. The prevalence and mean pain scores for dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, non-cyclic chronic pelvic pain and gastrointestinal and lower urinary tract symptoms were significantly greater in the endometriosis group, as was experienced rectal bleeding.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The study was performed in a single referral centre that treats patients with potentially more severe disease. This questionnaire was evaluated on a population of patients with an indication for endometriosis surgery, which can also select patients with more severe disease. Women with asymptomatic endometriosis were not considered in this study. These factors can affect the external validity of this study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Patient interviews are relevant to the diagnosis of endometriosis in adolescents and YAW. Combined with imaging and clinical examination, this approach will enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, while remaining non-invasive and rapid.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The study received no funding from external sources. There are no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

INTESTINAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: OUTCOMES FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY SPECIALIZED REFERRAL CENTER

BACKGROUND

Deep penetrating endometriosis (DE) can affect abdominal and pelvic organs like the bowel and bladder, requiring treatment to alleviate symptoms.

AIMS

To study and investigate clinical and surgical outcomes in patients diagnosed with DE involving the intestines, aiming to analyze the effectiveness of surgical treatments.

METHODS

All cases treated from January 2021 to July 2023 were included, focusing on patients aged 18 years or older with the disease affecting the intestines. Patients without intestinal involvement and those with less than six months of post-surgery follow-up were excluded. Intestinal involvement was defined as direct invasion of the intestinal wall or requiring adhesion lysis for complete resection. Primary outcomes were adhesion lysis, rectal shaving, disc excision (no-colectomy group), and segmental resection (colectomy group) along with surgical complications like anastomotic leak and fistulas, monitored for up to 30 days.

RESULTS

Out of 169 patients with DE surgically treated, 76 met the inclusion criteria. No colectomy treatment was selected for 50 (65.7%) patients, while 26 (34.2%) underwent rectosigmoidectomy (RTS). Diarrhea during menstruation was the most prevalent symptom in the RTS group (19.2 vs. 6%, p<0.001). Surgical outcomes indicated longer operative times and hospital stays for the segmental resection group, respectively 186.5 vs. 104 min (p<0.001) and 4 vs. 2 days, (p<0.001). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) had an overall prevalence of 6 (7.9%) cases, without any difference between the groups. There was no mortality reported. Larger lesions and specific symptoms like dyschezia and rectal bleeding were associated with a higher likelihood of RTS. Bayesian regression highlighted diarrhea close to menstruation as a strong predictor of segmental resection.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DE involving the intestines, symptoms such as dyschezia, rectal bleeding, and menstrual period-related diarrhea predict RTS. However, severe complication rates did not differ significantly between the segmental resection group and no-colectomy group.

Discoid excision for colorectal endometriosis associated infertility: A balance between fertility outcomes and complication rates

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to study the impact of discoid excision for deep endometriosis (DE) with colorectal involvement on fertility outcomes.

METHODS

49 patients with a desire for pregnancy treated with discoid excision for colorectal endometriosis in our endometriosis expert center between January 2015 and August 2020 were selected from our prospectively maintained database. Indications for surgery were either infertility and / or pelvic pain. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Fertility outcomes, both spontaneous and post-ART pregnancies, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 49 patients who underwent discoid excision exclusively (no other digestive resection) with a desire to conceive, 25 had a pregnancy after surgery and 24 did not. Double discoid excision was performed in 6.1 % of the cases (3/49). A colpectomy was performed in 12.2 % of the patients (6/49), and a protective stoma in 12.2 % (6/49). Fenestration of endometriomas was performed in 28.6 % of the patients (14/49), and parametrectomy in 40.8 % (20/49). The postoperative complication rate was 24.5 % (12/49) including 10.2 % (5/49) grade I, 12.2 % (6/49) grade II, and 2 % (1/49) grade III. Prior to surgery, 28 (57.1 %) patients had infertility including 13 (52 %) that successfully conceived following surgery and 15 (62.5 %) that remain infertile. Spontaneous pregnancy was achieved in 60 % (15/25) of infertile patients' prior surgery. The live-birth rate in patients conceiving spontaneously was 75 % (12/16).

CONCLUSION

Our results support that discoid excision is safe and associated with good fertility outcomes. Whether first-line surgery using discoid excision is superior to first-line ART remains to be determined.

Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic approach in patients with large rectal endometriotic nodule: the evaluation of safety and complications

AIM

The aim was to compare postoperative complications in patients undergoing the excision of a rectal endometriotic nodule over 3 cm by a robotic-assisted versus a conventional laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating prospectively collected data. The main interventions included rectal shaving, disc excision or colorectal resection. All the surgeries were performed in one endometriosis reference institute. To evaluate factors significantly associated with the risk of anastomosis leakage or fistula and bladder atony, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 548 patients with rectal endometriotic nodule over 3 cm in diameter (#ENZIAN C3) were included in the final analysis. The demography and clinical characteristics of women managed by the robotic-assisted (n = 97) approach were similar to those of patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy (n = 451). The multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the surgical approach (robotic-assisted vs. laparoscopic) was not associated with the rate of anastomosis leakage or fistula (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-4.0) and bladder dysfunction (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.1-1.8). A rectal nodule located lower than 6 cm from the anal verge was significantly associated with anastomosis leakage (aOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4-10.8) and bladder atony (aOR 4.3, 95% CI 1.5-12.3). Anastomosis leakage was also associated with smoking (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.4), significant vaginal infiltration (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.7) and excision of nodules involving sacral roots (aOR 5.6, 95% CI 1.7-15.5).

CONCLUSION

The robotic-assisted approach was not associated with increased risk of main postoperative complications compared to conventional laparoscopy for the treatment of large rectal endometriotic nodules.

Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for the detection and measurement of endometriotic lesions of the bowel

INTRODUCTION

The number and invasion depth of endometriotic bowel lesions, total length of bowel affected by endometriosis, lesion-to-anal verge distance, and extent of pouch of Douglas obliteration are important factors in preoperatively determining risk and complexity of endometriosis surgery. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the evaluation of many of these parameters has not yet been investigated. Our study aimed to assess the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound between an experienced and less experienced examiner for all of these parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2019 and November 2020. Fifty consecutive premenopausal women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination in our clinic for the first time, were examined by the same two operators during the same attendance. Outcomes of interest were the inter-rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for detecting the presence, number, depth and size of bowel endometriotic nodules, lesion-to-anal-verge distance, total length of bowel affected, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. The intraobserver reproducibility was assessed for the continuous parameters. Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic, Cohen's weighted kappa (κ), proportions of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used to assess the reproducibility of the parameters.

RESULTS

The inter-rater agreement and reliability were very good for identifying bowel endometriosis, the number and invasion depth of bowel nodules, determining whether the maximum nodule length was <3 cm, and lesion-to-anal-verge distance <8 cm (proportion of agreement 0.92, 0.94, 0.97, 0.94, 0.96; κ 0.92, 0.91, 0.92, 0.82, 0.89). The inter-rater agreement and reliability were good for assessing pouch of Douglas obliteration (proportion of agreement 0.86, κ 0.80). The intra-rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter (ICC 0.93 and 0.97) and total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.94 and 0.91) were excellent for operators A and B, respectively. The inter-rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter was good (ICC 0.80), and moderate for the total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.70). The Bland-Altman limits of agreement demonstrated clinically acceptable ranges for these two parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a high intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis and measurement of its various components.

Severe pelvic pain is associated with sexual abuse experienced during childhood and/or adolescence irrespective of the presence of endometriosis

STUDY QUESTION

Is endometriosis associated with childhood and/or adolescent sexual abuse?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Endometriosis is not associated with a history of sexual abuse, unlike the presence of severe pelvic pain.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Several studies have highlighted a link between pelvic pain and sexual abuse during childhood/adolescence. Moreover, an inflammatory state has been described in patients with a history of childhood maltreatment. Given that inflammation and pelvic pain are two entities often encountered with endometriosis, several teams have investigated whether endometriosis is associated with abuse during childhood/adolescence. However, the results are conflicting, and the link between sexual abuse and the presence of endometriosis and/or pain is hard to disentangle.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A survey nested in a cohort study of women surgically explored for benign gynecological indications at our institution between January 2013 and January 2017. For each patient, a standardized questionnaire was completed during a face-to-face interview with the surgeon in the month preceding the surgery. Pelvic pain symptoms (dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, non-cyclic chronic pelvic pain, and gastrointestinal or lower urinary tract symptoms) and their intensities were assessed with a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). Pain was considered to be severe when the VAS score was ≥7.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A 52-question survey was sent in September of 2017 to evaluate abuses, especially sexual abuse during childhood and/or adolescence, and the psychological state during childhood and adolescence. The survey was structured to cover the following sections: (i) abuses and other life events during childhood and adolescence; (ii) puberty and body changes; (iii) onset of sexuality; and (iv) family relationships during childhood and adolescence. The patients were divided into groups according to whether or not they exhibited histologically proven endometriosis. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Two hundred and seventy-one patients answered all the questions of the survey: 168 with (endometriosis group) and 103 without endometriosis (control group). The mean ± SD overall population age was 32.2 ± 5.1 years. There were 136 (80.9%) and 48 (46.6%) women who experienced at least one severe pelvic pain symptom in the endometriosis and the control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). No differences were found between the two study groups regarding the following characteristics: (i) a history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse; (ii) a history of abandonment or bereavement; (iii) the psychological state regarding puberty; and (iv) the family relationships. After multivariable analysis, we found no significant association between endometriosis and a history of sexual abuse during childhood and/or adolescence (P = 0.550). However, the presence of at least one severe pelvic pain symptom was independently associated with a history of sexual abuse (odds ratio = 3.6, 95% CI (1.2-10.4)).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Evaluation of the psychological state during childhood and/or adolescence can be subject to recall bias. In addition, selection bias is also a possibility given that some of the patients surveyed did not return the questionnaire.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Severe gynecological painful symptoms in women with or without histologically proven endometriosis may be linked to sexual abuse experienced during childhood and/or adolescence. Patient questioning about painful symptoms and abuses is important to provide comprehensive care to the patients, from a psychological to a somatic point of view.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding or competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Fertility Outcomes after Surgical Management of Colorectal Endometriosis: A Single-center Retrospective Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the pregnancy rate after surgery for colorectal endometriosis.

DESIGN

A retrospective, single-center study performed from January 2014 to December 2019.

SETTING

A university tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with the intention to get pregnant younger than the age of 43 years, with or without a history of infertility and who were surgically managed for colorectal endometriosis.

INTERVENTIONS

Complete excision of deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The postoperative pregnancy rate was assessed. Seventy-seven patients had surgery; their mean age was 32.5 ± 4.4 years. Preoperative documented infertility was present in 77.9% of patients (n = 60). The mean length of history of infertility was 36.2 ± 24.9 months. The procedure was performed by laparoscopic surgery in 92.2% of patients (n = 71). Nonconservative, conservative, and mixed treatment were performed in 66.2% (n = 51), 29.9% (n = 23), and 3.9% of patients (n = 3), respectively. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the 3B complication rate was 6.5% (n = 5). The mean follow-up was 46.7 ± 20.6 months. Clinical pregnancies were defined by the presence of intrauterine pregnancy with an embryo with cardiac activity. The postoperative pregnancy rate was 62.3% (n = 48), and 54.2% (n = 26) were spontaneous. The mean number of pregnancies was 1.2 ± 0.4 per patient. In addition, 18.7% of patients (n = 9) got pregnant twice. The mean time from surgery to pregnancy was 13.8 ± 13.1 months. The live birth rate was 89.1% (n = 41). There were no significant differences concerning the prognostic criteria reported in the literature (antimüllerian hormone level, age, presence of adenomyosis). There were no predictive criteria for live births.

CONCLUSION

According to this study, surgery for colorectal endometriosis results in a high postoperative pregnancy rate. Studies with a high level of evidence are needed to determine good candidates for this type of surgery.

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.

Factors Affecting the Postoperative Bowel Function and Recurrence of Surgery for Intestinal Deep Endometriosis

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with complications and long-term results in the surgical treatment of intestinal deep endometriosis and to figure out the optimized treatment measures for bowel endometriosis.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in a single center in China. Medical charts were reviewed from 61 women undergoing surgical treatment for bowel endometriosis between January 2013 and August 2019 in the Department of General Gynecology, Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized to investigate the impact of the stages of endometriosis and surgical steps (independent risk factors) on complications (and postoperative bowel dysfunction). The clinical characters, surgical procedures, postoperative treatment, complications, and recurrence rate were summarized and analyzed by using Lasso regression.

Results

Surgery type was the most important independent risk factor related to postoperative abnormal defecation in intestinal deep endometriosis patients (P &lt; 0.05, OR = 34.133). Infection is the most important independent risk factor related to both postoperative complications (OR = 96.931) and recurrences after conservative surgery (OR = 4.667). Surgery type and age were significantly related to recurrences after conservative surgery.

Conclusions

We recommended conservative operation especially full-thickness disc excision to improve the quality of life of intestinal deep endometriosis patients. In addition, prevention of infection is very important to reduce the postoperative complications rate and the recurrence rate.

Long term outcomes following surgical management of rectal endometriosis: 7-year follow-up of patients enrolled in a randomized trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare functional outcomes, recurrence rate and pregnancy likelihood in patients undergoing conservative or radical surgery in patients with deep rectal endometriosis 7 years post-operatively.

DESIGN

Prospective study in a cohort of patients enrolled in a 2-arm randomized trial from March 2011 to August 2013.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

55 patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients underwent either segmental resection or nodule excision by shaving or disc excision, depending on a randomization which was performed preoperatively using sequentially numbered, opaque sealed envelopes.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was the number of patients experiencing one of the following symptoms: constipation, frequent bowel movements, anal incontinence or bladder dysfunction 24 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were values of gastrointestinal and overall quality of life scores. The 7 year-recurrence rates (new deep endometriosis nodule infiltrating the rectum) in the excision vs. the segmental resection arms were 7.4 % vs. 0% (P=.24). One of more symptoms included in the definition of the primary outcomes were recorded in 55.6% vs. 60.7% of patients (P=0.79). However, 51.9% vs. 53.6% of patients considered their bowel movements as normal (P=.99). An intention-to-treat comparison of overall quality of life scores did not find differences between the two groups 7 years postoperatively. At the end of the 7-year study period, 31 of the 37 patients who tried to conceive were successful (83.8%) including: 27 (57.4%) natural conceptions and 20 (42.6%) pregnancies resulting from ART procedures. Pregnancy rate was 82.4% vs. 85% in the two arms (P=.99). A 75.7% live birth rate was recorded. At the end of the follow up there were 15 women with one child (40.5%) and 13 women with 2 children (35.1%). During the 7-year follow- up, the reoperation rate was respectively 37% and 35.7% in each arm, P=0.84). Among the 27 reoperation procedures during the follow up period, 11 were postoperative complications (40.7%), 7 were necessary prior to ART management (25.9%), 8 were for recurrent abdominal or pelvic pain (29.6%) and one for midline ventral hernia following pregnancy (3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not reveal a significant difference in terms of digestive functional outcomes, recurrence rate, reoperation risk and pregnancy likelihood when conservative and radical rectal surgery for deep endometriosis were compared 7 years postoperatively. Postoperative pregnancy rate observed in our series is high.

MRI in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis and Related Diseases

Endometriosis, a common chronic inflammatory disease in female of reproductive age, is closely related to patient symptoms and fertility. Because of its high contrast resolution and objectivity, MRI can contribute to the early and accurate diagnosis of ovarian endometriotic cysts and deeply infiltrating endometriosis without the need for any invasive procedure or radiation exposure. The ovaries, which are the most frequent site of endometriosis, can be afflicted by multiple related conditions and diseases. For the diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis and secondary adhesions among pelvic organs, fibrosis around the ectopic endometrial gland is usually found as a T2 hypointense lesion. This review summarizes the MRI findings obtained for ovarian endometriotic cysts and their physiologically and pathologically related conditions. This article also includes the key imaging findings of deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

Enhanced recovery after posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis surgery: a national study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the implementation of a national enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) surgery on the length of hospital stay, the rate of postoperative complications, and readmission within 30 days.

DESIGN

Comparative exposed/nonexposed observational study.

SETTING

Study based on the French national medicoeconomic database of the Program of Medicalization of Information System.

PATIENTS

Seven hundred and sixty-four women who underwent DIE surgery were involved and matched (1:3 ratio) into two groups: ERAS group for the year 2019 and non-ERAS group for the year 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical management for posterior DIE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The length of hospital stay, the rate of postoperative complications during the initial hospital stay, and readmission within 30 days.

RESULTS

The ERAS group included 191 women, and the non-ERAS group included 573 women. The mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the ERAS group than in the non-ERAS group (4.28 ± 3.80 days vs. 5.42 ± 4.04 days, respectively). The rate of postoperative abdominal or pelvic pain syndromes was lower in the ERAS group than in the non-ERAS group (5/191 (2.62%) vs. 48/573 (8.38%), respectively; relative risk, 0.31 [0.125-0.7969]). The rate of postoperative complication and the rate of readmission within 30 days were not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of ERAS has a significant positive impact on patient outcomes after DIE surgery. The length of hospital stay and abdominal or pelvic pain syndromes were reduced without increasing complications or readmission within 30 days.

Indirect and atypical imaging signals of endometriosis: A wide range of manifestations

Background

Whilst some imaging signs of endometriosis are common and widely accepted as ‘typical’, a range of ‘subtle’ signs could be present in imaging studies, presenting an opportunity to the radiologist and the surgeon to aid the diagnosis and facilitate preoperative surgical planning.

Objective

To summarise and analyse the current information related to indirect and atypical signs of endometriosis by ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Through the use of PubMed and Google scholar, we conducted a comprehensive review of available articles related to the diagnosis of indirect signs in transvaginal US and MRI. All abstracts were assessed and the studies were finally selected by two authors.

Results

Transvaginal US is a real time dynamic exploration, that can reach a sensitivity of 79-94% and specificity of 94%. It allows evaluation of normal sliding between structures in different compartments, searching for adhesions or fibrosis.

MRI is an excellent tool that can reach a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 77% and allows visualisation of the uterus, bowel loop deviation and peritoneal inclusion cysts. It also allows the categorisation and classification of ovarian cysts, rectovaginal and vesicovaginal septum obliteration, and small bowel endometriotic implants.

Conclusion

The use of an adequate mapping protocol with systematic evaluation and the reporting of direct and indirect signs of endometriosis is crucial for detailed and safe surgical planning.

Risk of Rectovaginal Fistula in Women with Excision of Deep Endometriosis Requiring Concomitant Vaginal and Rectal Sutures, with or without Preventive Stoma: A Before-and-after Comparative Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a liberal policy of preventive stoma (LPS) reduces the rate of rectovaginal fistulas in women with excision of deep endometriosis requiring concomitant vaginal and rectal sutures in comparison with a more restrictive policy of preventive stoma (RPS) and to assess the risk factors for rectovaginal fistula.

DESIGN

Retrospective before-and-after comparative study.

SETTING

Two referral centers, one with an LPS and the other with an RPS.

PATIENTS

A total of 363 patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and the vagina.

INTERVENTIONS

Rectal disc excision or colorectal resection concomitantly with vaginal excision.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred forty-one and 122 women received surgery at the LPS and RPS centers, respectively. The rate of preventive stomas was 71.4% at the LPS center (n = 172) and 30.3% at the RPS center (N = 37). Rectovaginal fistula was recorded in 31 cases (8.5%): nineteen women were managed at the LPS center, and 12 women underwent surgery at the RPS center. It occurred in, respectively, 9.4%, 10.8%, 10.1%, and 7% of the women managed without and with a stoma at the RPS center and of those managed without and with a stoma at the LPS center (p = .72). The height of the rectal stapled line was significantly lower in the women undergoing a stoma, particularly in those managed at the RPS center (5.4 ± 1.8 cm). Performing rectal sutures within 8 cm from the anal verge increased the risk of rectovaginal fistula more than 3-fold, independently of stoma creation, surgical procedure carried out on the rectum, size of vaginal infiltration, or associated excision of deep endometriosis involving the pelvic nerves (odds ratio 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-9.1).

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant differences were found in terms of the risk of rectovaginal fistula between women with rectovaginal endometriosis managed by either an LPS or an RPS; however, these findings need to be confirmed by a randomized trial.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Findings After Laparoscopic Rectosigmoid Segmental Resection for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) findings in patients who underwent segmental rectosigmoid resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and to correlate postsurgical ultrasound findings with symptoms.

METHODS

A retrospective study including 50 premenopausal women with bowel endometriosis who underwent segmental rectosigmoid resection was conducted. Within 12 months after surgery, a TVUS examination was conducted in all patients to evaluate the presence of postsurgical endometriosis locations and symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia, and chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic pain was assessed in all women by a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

At the follow-up 32 of 50 patients were receiving medical treatment, whereas 18 women declined postsurgical medical therapy and tried to conceive. A high percentage of adhesions (90%) was found. A negative sliding sign (a simple diagnostic sign that can be performed during a TVUS examination, consisting of gentle pressure applied by both the vaginal transducer and the examiner's hand on the abdomen; if the uterus does not glide freely along with the rectum and posterior fornix, the sign is considered negative, and adhesions can be suspected) was found in 29 (58%) women and was associated with bowel symptoms. Recurrence of posterior DIE was found in 9 cases (18%) and endometriomas in 8 cases (16%). Adenomyosis was observed in 80% of women and was present in all symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

After rectosigmoid segmental resection patients with DIE may continue to be symptomatic, and postoperative TVUS may reveal foci of disease or pelvic adhesions. Moreover, adenomyosis could be linked to symptoms experienced during follow up. Women should be aware that painful symptoms and alterations of pelvic organs could still be present after surgery and be detectable by TVUS.

Evaluation of functional outcomes after disc excision of deep endometriosis involving low and mid rectum using standardized questionnaires: a series of 80 patients

AIM

The aim was to assess the functional outcome and quality of life in patients with low and mid rectal endometriosis who have undergone disc excision using a semicircular transanal staple device, a procedure we have named the Rouen technique.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing the Rouen technique between October 2009 and November 2018. Preoperative and postoperative demographic and operative data were recorded prospectively (mean ± SEM). Postoperative complications were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Rectal function and quality of life were assessed by the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and Bowel Endometriosis Syndrome (BENS) scores respectively at ≥6 months.

RESULTS

The Rouen procedure was performed on 80 patients (29.7 ± 4.3). The mean diameter of resected specimens was 57 ± 10 mm, and the height of the rectal suture from the anal verge was 4.6 ± 1.2 cm. The Clavien-Dindo complications were Clavien-Dindo 1 (leg compression), Clavien-Dindo 2 (urinary tract infection, bladder self-catheterization) and Clavien-Dindo 3b (bowel obstruction, rectovaginal fistula, pyelic dilation, colorectal stenosis after resection). A rectovaginal fistula (Clavien-Dindo 3b) developed in nine (11.3%) patients and their stoma could be reversed after 99-162 days. The majority of patients (n = 50, 62.5%) had normal postoperative rectal function with LARS score ≤20. However, minor (LARS ≥ 21-29) and major rectal dysfunction (LARS ≥ 30) was seen in 18 (22.5%) and 12 (15%) patients respectively. Quality of life as measured using the BENS score was normal (BENS score 0-8) in 51 (63.8%) patients, slightly reduced (BENS score 9-16) in 24 (30%) patients and in only five (6.3%) was this a major issue (BENS score > 17). The development of a rectovaginal fistula was independently related to risk of major rectal dysfunction (adjusted OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.3-30.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of 80 patients with transmural low and mid rectal endometriosis disc excision using a semicircular staple device can result in good functional outcomes and quality of life and avoid the complexity and potential complications of a low anterior resection.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of extragenital endometriosis in Japan, 2018

The aim of this publication is to disseminate the clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of intestinal, bladder/ureteral, thoracic and umbilical endometriosis, already published in Japanese, to non-Japanese speakers. For developing the original Japanese guidelines, the clinical practice guideline committee was formed by the research team for extragenital endometriosis, which is part of the research program of intractable disease of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The clinical practice guideline committee formulated eight clinical questions for the treatment of extragenital endometriosis, which were intestinal, bladder/ureteral, thoracic and umbilical endometriosis. The committee performed a systematic review of the literature to provide responses to clinical questions and developed clinical guidelines for extragenital endometriosis, according to the process proposed by the Medical Information Network Distribution Service. The recommendation level was determined using modified Delphi methods. The clinical practice guidelines were officially approved by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japan Society of Endometriosis. This English version was translated from the Japanese version.

Infertility in women with bowel endometriosis: first-line assisted reproductive technology results in satisfactory cumulative live-birth rates

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cumulative live-birth rate (LBR) in a cohort of bowel endometriosis patients with no prior history of surgery for endometriosis.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred and one consecutive infertile bowel-endometriosis patients with no prior history of surgery for endometriosis in whom the diagnosis of endometriosis was based on published imaging criteria using transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

INTERVENTION(S)

First-line ART.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cumulative LBR, with statistical analysis via Kaplan Meier method with a "conservative" method, whereby it was assumed that no live births took place for patients who did not return.

RESULT(S)

Between January 2016 and December 2018, 101 bowel endometriosis patients underwent 176 ART cycles. The mean number of deep-infiltrating endometriosis lesions per patient was 3 ± 0.9, with a mean number of bowel lesions of 1.3 ± 0.6. Seventy-three percent of the patients had associated endometriomas, and 88.1% had associated adenomyosis. Overall, the cumulative LBR after four ART cycles was 64.4%, using the conservative Kaplan-Meier method.

CONCLUSION(S)

The ART cumulative LBR was very satisfactory (64.4%) in bowel endometriosis patients with no prior history of surgery for endometriosis. In light of these data, clinicians should carefully weigh the pros and cons before systematically referring infertile bowel endometriosis patients to fertility-preserving surgery because as first-line ART appears to offer satisfactory results.

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.

Focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium and deep infiltrating endometriosis severity

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the presence of focal adenomyosis of the outer myometrium (FAOM) at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is associated with the severity of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study involving 255 symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis patients. Comparisons were performed according to the presence of FAOM.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women with a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and complete surgical exeresis of endometriotic lesions with histologically documented deep infiltrating endometriosis.

INTERVENTION(S)

Surgical management for deep infiltrating endometriosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The presence of multiple deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, the mean number and location of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, and the mean total revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine scores.

RESULT(S)

The prevalence of FAOM at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in the 255 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis was 56.5%. The mean number of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions was significantly higher in the FAOM(+) group than in the FAOM(-) group: 3.5 ± 2.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.5. The mean total revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score was higher in case of FOAM coexisting with deep infiltrating endometriosis. After adjusting for confounding factors, the presence of FAOM was significantly associated with multiple deep lesions.

CONCLUSION(S)

FAOM was significantly associated with greater deep infiltrating endometriosis severity. This needs to be integrated into the management strategy. Furthermore, a pathogenic link between deep infiltrating endometriosis and FAOM cannot be excluded.

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.

Outcome after surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of postoperative complications between conservative surgery and segmental resection in patients with rectal endometriosis.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 232 women undergoing surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum up to 15 cm from the anus with at least involvement of the muscularis layer, stratified into two arms according to surgical technique. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients without previous therapeutic laparoscopy for endometriosis (n = 108). A propensity-score approach was used to correct for group differences.

INTERVENTION(S)

All patients underwent CO₂-laser laparoscopic surgery: 61 underwent conservative surgery, and 171 had a segmental resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Postoperative complication rate (Clavien-Dindo classification).

RESULT(S)

Clavien-Dindo type 1 and 2 complications did not differ between both groups. Clavien-Dindo type 3 complications were more frequent in the segmental resection group (1/61 [1.6%] conservative vs. 18/171 [10.5%] segmental), after propensity analysis only a trend was retained. In the subgroup analysis, no difference or trend was found (1/27 [3.7%] conservative vs. 5/81 [6.2%] segmental). A low rate of temporary diverting stoma was recorded: 24/232 (10.3%).

CONCLUSION(S)

A higher major complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) rate for segmental resections compared with conservative surgical treatment was shown in the overall population, although after correction for group differences this was attenuated to a trend only. However, in patients without previous therapeutic laparoscopy no significant difference or trend was found regardless of the surgical technique used. This not only suggests that redo/repeated surgery has a potentially increased morbidity, but also emphasizes the importance of a well executed primary surgery.

Endometriosis MRI lexicon: consensus statement from the society of abdominal radiology endometriosis disease-focused panel

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become a mainstay for diagnosis and staging of this disease. In the literature, significant heterogeneity exists in the descriptions of imaging findings and anatomic sites of involvement. The Society of Abdominal Radiology's Endometriosis Disease-Focused Panel presents this consensus document to establish an MRI lexicon for endometriosis MRI evaluation and anatomic localization.

The role of imaging as a guide to the surgical treatment of endometriosis

Minimally invasive surgery for complex endometriosis requires preoperative planning that intimately connects the gynecologic surgeon to the radiologist. Understanding the surgeon's perspective to endometriosis treatment facilitates a productive relationship that ultimately benefits the patient. We examine minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis and the key radiologic information which enable the surgeon to successfully negotiate patient counseling, preoperative planning, and an interdisciplinary approach to surgery.

Recommendations for the surgical treatment of endometriosis. Part 2: deep endometriosis

STUDY QUESTION

How should surgery for endometriosis be performed?

SUMMARY ANSWER

This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for deep endometriosis in women of reproductive age.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Endometriosis is highly prevalent and often associated with severe symptoms. Yet compared to equally prevalent conditions, it is poorly understood and a challenge to manage. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations for (surgical) treatment of deep endometriosis, based on the best available evidence, but without technical information and details on how to best perform such treatment in order to be effective and safe.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A working group of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of surgery for treatment of deep endometriosis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

This document focused on surgery for deep endometriosis and is complementary to a previous document in this series focusing on endometrioma surgery.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The document presents general recommendations for surgery for deep endometriosis, starting from preoperative assessments and first steps of surgery. Different approaches for surgical treatment are discussed and are respective of location and extent of disease; uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal septum with or without involvement of the rectum, urinary tract or extrapelvic endometriosis. In addition, recommendations are provided on the treatment of frozen pelvis and on hysterectomy as a treatment for deep endometriosis.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise. Where available, references of relevant studies were added.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These recommendations complement previous guidelines on management of endometriosis and the recommendations for surgical treatment of ovarian endometrioma.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. Dr Roman reports personal fees from ETHICON, PLASMASURGICAL, OLYMPUS and NORDIC PHARMA, outside the submitted work; Dr Becker reports grants from Bayer AG, Volition Rx, MDNA Life Sciences and Roche Diagnostics Inc. and other relationships or activities from AbbVie Inc., and Myriad Inc, during the conduct of the study; Dr Tomassetti reports non-financial support from ESHRE, during the conduct of the study; and non-financial support and other were from Lumenis, Gedeon-Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck SA, outside the submitted work. The other authors had nothing to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

na.

Bowel Endometriosis: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis and Treatment

Endometriosis is a chronic condition primarily affecting young women of reproductive age. Although some women with bowel endometriosis may be asymptomatic patients typically report a myriad of symptoms such as alteration in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhoea) dyschezia, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia in addition to infertility. To date, there are no clear guidelines on the evaluation of patients with suspected bowel endometriosis. Several techniques have been proposed including transvaginal and/or transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and double-contrast barium enema. These different imaging modalities provide greater information regarding presence, location and extent of endometriosis ensuring patients are adequately informed whilst also optimizing preoperative planning. In cases where surgical management is indicated, surgery should be performed by experienced surgeons, in centres with access to multidisciplinary care. Treatment should be tailored according to patient symptoms and wishes with a view to excising as much disease as possible, whilst at the same time preserving organ function. In this review article current perspectives on diagnosis and management of bowel endometriosis are discussed.

Extensive endometriosis surgery: rASRM and Enzian score independently relate to post-operative complication grade

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess post-operative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification system following routine laparoscopic treatment of all stages of endometriosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out to identify women who underwent laparoscopic complete resection of newly diagnosed endometriosis between 2013 and 2016. 401 patients were identified using hospital database search software, and electronic files were reviewed. The stages of endometriosis had been classified according to the revised score of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) and the Enzian classification in cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Post-operative complications were recorded based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of the stages of endometriosis and surgical steps on complications.

RESULTS

Grade III complications requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiological intervention occurred in only 1.7% of patients and were significantly associated with rASRM stage IV (OR 1.8). Grade II complications (blood transfusion, total parenteral nutrition) occurred in 18.7% of patients. rASRM stage IV (OR 2.0), hysterectomy (OR 3.2), conversion to laparotomy (OR 11.1), and bowel resection (OR 27.6) were significantly associated with increased risk of grade II complications. rASRM stages I-III did not show an effect on post-operative complications or hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Clavien-Dindo complication grading was readily applicable to laparoscopic removal of endometriosis of all stages. Higher Clavien-Dindo grades correctly reflected clinically relevant complications and were associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis, stage IV endometriosis, bowel surgery, or hysterectomy. Clavien-Dindo classification can be recommended for evaluation of laparoscopic endometriosis surgery outcome.

High Levels of Anti-GM-CSF Antibodies in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic hormono-dependent inflammatory gynecological disease. Endometriosis can be subdivided into three forms: superficial peritoneal implants, endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Inflammation is a typical feature of endometriosis with overproduction of prostaglandins, chemokines, and cytokines, like granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF is a hematopoietic growth factor and immune modulator which belongs to the group of cytokines that actively participate in inflammatory reactions. GM-CSF autoantibodies (Ab) are described in inflammatory diseases such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis where high concentrations of anti-GM-CSF Ab are correlated with severity, complications, and relapses. We have evaluated the presence of anti-GM-CSF Ab in the serum of 106 patients with endometriosis and 92 controls using a home-made enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and correlated the results with the form and severity of the disease. We found that anti-GM-CSF Ab level is significantly increased in the sera of patients with endometriosis compared to controls and is associated with the severity of the disease especially in patients with deep endometriosis (p < 0.0001) with the highest number of lesions (p = 0.0034), including digestive involvement (p = 0.0041). We also found a correlation between these levels of anti-GM-CSF Ab and the number of lesions in DIE patients (r = 0.913). In this way, searching anti-GM-CSF Ab in endometriosis patient sera could be of value for patient follow-up and put further insight into the role of inflammation and of GM-CSF in endometriosis pathogenesis.

Discoid resection for colorectal endometriosis: results from a prospective cohort from two French tertiary referral centres

AIM

Using a prospective database of discoid resection performed in two tertiary referral centres, the aim of this study is to assess the feasibility, short-term complication rates and clinical outcomes, including voiding dysfunction, of the procedure.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort database was conducted from February 2010 to October 2017 in two tertiary referral centres. One hundred and forty-eight consecutive patients scheduled for colorectal endometriosis by discoid resection were enrolled. The median follow-up was 21 months. All the women underwent complete preoperative assessment (MRI, transvaginal ultrasonography and rectal echo-endoscopy) before the removal of colorectal endometriosis. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system as minor (grades I and II) or major (grades IIIA, IIIB and IV). Cases of voiding dysfunction were also noted.

RESULTS

The procedure was abandoned in seven patients. In 91 (64.5%) of the remaining 141 patients, the diameter of discoid resection removed was ≥ 30 mm. Surgery was performed by laparoscopy in 137/141 cases (92.7%). Grade I-III complications were observed in 37 patients (26.2%) with 11 grade IIIb (7.8%). Postoperative voiding dysfunction occurred in 16 patients (11.3%), 11 of whom required self-catheterization for < 1 month. In a multivariate analysis including age, body mass index, lesion size and history of previous surgery for endometriosis, a history of previous surgery was independently correlated to complication outcome (P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that discoid resection is associated with good short-term results for women with colorectal endometriosis in a tertiary referral centre as it is associated with a low rate of postoperative complications.

Age at menarche does not correlate with the endometriosis phenotype

Objective

To evaluate the association between the endometriosis phenotype and the age at menarche.

Design

An observational, cross-sectional study using prospectively collected data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting

Single university tertiary referral center.

Patients

To be eligible, women had to have undergone their 1^st complete surgical exeresis of endometriotic lesions. For each patient, a standardized questionnaire was completed the month before the surgery. Endometriotic lesions were classified into 3 phenotypes: superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP), endometrioma (OMA), or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Patients were divided into 3 groups: early menarche (< 12 years), typical menarche (≥ 12 and ≤ 13 years) and late menarche (> 13 years). The groups were compared in terms of general characteristics, medical history, disease phenotype, and disease severity.

Interventions

Surgical management for a benign gynecologic condition.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Correlation between the endometriosis phenotype and the age at menarche.

Measurements and main results

From January 2004 to December 2016, 789 women with histologically confirmed endometriosis were enrolled in the study. The mean age at menarche was 12.9 ± 1.6 years of age, (range 9 to 18). The mean age at menarche and the mean time interval between menarche and the 1^st surgery for endometriosis were not significantly different between the three phenotypes (SUP, OMA, DIE). When women with early menarche, typical menarche, or late menarche were compared, no differences were observed in terms of the endometriosis phenotype and the anatomical distribution of the endometriotic lesions.

Conclusion

For women operated for the first time for endometriosis, age at menarche is not associated with the disease phenotype.

Interposition of the mesorectal flap as prevention of rectovaginal fistula in patients with endometriosis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition characterized by endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. It affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age. In the case of bowel infiltration, about 90% of lesions are localized on the sigmoid colon or the rectum and may interfere with bowel function. Three surgical approaches are possible: (1) shaving technique, (2) discoid resection of the nodule, and (3) segmental resection with end-to-end anastomosis. A rectovaginal fistula is feared as a postoperative complication mainly in simultaneous resection of the vaginal and the rectosigmoid nodules. Its prevention is a two-step surgery (the first operation on the vagina and the second on the colon) or a preventive colostomy, both of which are often thought to be too invasive for a benign condition. Herein, we suggest a one-step surgery to prevent its development.

METHODS

In three women, a concomitant laparoscopic resection of the vaginal and rectosigmoid endometrial nodule was completed with interposition of a mesorectal flap.

RESULTS

All surgeries were uncomplicated with no rectovaginal fistula in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

In the hands of skilled surgeons, this one-step technique can be used to prevent rectovaginal fistula development.

Nomogram predicting the likelihood of complications after surgery for deep endometriosis without bowel involvement

Study Objective

To describe complications following surgery for deep endometriosis (DE) without bowel involvement and to develop a nomogram for predicting postoperative complications.

Design

Retrospective study

Setting

Tertiary referral university hospital and expert center in endometriosis

Patients

Two-hundred and twenty patients with DE without bowel involvement

Interventions

Laparoscopic resection for DE without bowel involvement

Measurements and Main Results

Operative complications were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Voiding dysfunction was defined as a need for bladder self-catheterization lasting >1 month. Fifty-three patients (24%) had postoperative complications: 31 (14%) had a Clavien-Dindo grade I—II complication (3 grade I and 28 grade II); 11 (5%) had a grade III complication (2 grade IIIa and 9 grade IIIb); and 11 (5%) had voiding dysfunction. No grade IV—V complications were observed. Age, Enzian classification risk group, and previous surgery for endometriosis were significantly associated with postoperative complications. The predictive model had an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.70–0.74) before and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68–72) after bootstrap sample correction. The average difference and maximal difference in predicted and calibrated probabilities of recurrence were 0.023 and 0.089% respectively

Conclusion

Surgery for DE without bowel resection is associated with a relatively high incidence of voiding dysfunction and postoperative complications mainly corresponding to Clavien-Dindo grade I—II. Age, risk group of Enzian classification, and previous surgery for endometriosis are significantly associated with postoperative complications and voiding dysfunction. Our results allowed us to build a nomogram which can be used to better inform patients about the risk of DE surgery without bowel involvement

Baseline severe constipation negatively impacts functional outcomes of surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum: Results of the ENDORE randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Predictive factors of functional outcomes after the surgery of rectal endometriosis are not well identified. Our recent randomized trial did not find significant differences between functional outcomes in patients managed by radical or conservative rectal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To identify preoperative factors which determine functional outcomes of surgery in patients with rectal endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a cohort study on the population of a 2-arm randomised trial, from March 2011 to August 2013. Patients were enrolled in three French university hospitals and had either conservative surgery by shaving or disc excision, or radical rectal surgery by segmental resection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing one of the following symptoms: constipation, frequent bowel movements, anal incontinence, dysuria or bladder atony requiring self-catheterisation 24 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were the values of the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom Questionnaire (KESS), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), the Wexner scale, the Urinary Symptom Profile (USP) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36). A logistic regression model based on backward selection was used to screen for baseline factors that could impact the primary endpoint. A generalized estimating equations model for repeated measures was used to assess whether a trend could be observed over the follow-up period as regards gastrointestinal and quality of life scores.

RESULTS

60 patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum were managed by conservative surgery (27 cases) and segmental colorectal resection (33 cases). The primary endpoint was recorded in 26 patients (48.1% for conservative surgery vs. 39.4% for radical surgery, OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.22-2.21). There was a significant improvement in values of all gastrointestinal, quality of life and urinary scores after surgery. Comparing patients with KESS scores < 10 (reference) to those with scores between 10 and 17 (OR = 2.1, 95%CI 0.4-12.2), as well as those with scores >17 (OR = 11.1, 95%CI 2.2-20.5), revealed that the odds to record the primary endpoint are significantly higher in the latter group. Trend analyses suggest that the odds of an elevated KESS score are significantly higher at baseline than at 6 months, but significantly lower after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe preoperative constipation are less likely to achieve normal bowel movements after surgery for rectal endometriosis, using either radical or conservative rectal procedures.

Oligo-anovulation is not a rarer feature in women with documented endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of oligo-anovulation in women suffering from endometriosis compared to that of women without endometriosis.

DESIGN

A single-center, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital-based research center.

PATIENT (S)

We included 354 women with histologically proven endometriosis and 474 women in whom endometriosis was surgically ruled out between 2004 and 2016.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Frequency of oligo-anovulation in women with endometriosis as compared to that prevailing in the disease-free reference group.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the rate of oligo-anovulation between women with endometriosis (15.0%) and the reference group (11.2%). Regarding the endometriosis phenotype, oligo-anovulation was reported in 12 (18.2%) superficial peritoneal endometriosis, 12 (10.6%) ovarian endometrioma, and 29 (16.6%) deep infiltrating endometriosis.

CONCLUSION(S)

Endometriosis should not be discounted in women presenting with oligo-anovulation.

Choosing the right technique for deep endometriosis

The surgical management of bowel endometriosis is a real challenge. In addition to the fact that only symptomatic patients should undergo surgery, no consensus has been approved in the literature. Among the surgical techniques, the surgeon has to choose between rectal shaving, disc excision, or segmental colorectal resection. All those procedures are associated with complications, but the risk of rectovaginal fistula is higher if a disc excision or segmental colorectal resection is performed. It is therefore of utmost importance to evaluate preoperatively the bowel infiltration by several imaging techniques to estimate the feasibility of a deep rectal shaving with possible incomplete removal of the endometriotic lesions or to discuss with the patient about the indication of a segmental bowel resection. Because of the risk of major preoperative and postoperative complications, proper patient counseling is mandatory.