Outcomes of surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter and urinary bladder

Surgical treatment of deep endometriosis: Impact on spontaneous conception

Deep endometriosis (DE) is the most severe form of endometriosis and is commonly associated with infertility. Surgical treatment of DE appears to increase chances of spontaneous conception in appropriately selected patients wishing to conceive. Identifying, however, the exact impact of DE, and its surgical removal, on natural conception is highly challenging. The surgical approach should be favoured in symptomatic patients with pregnancy intention. Limited data from infertile patients suggest that outcomes may not differ from patients without known infertility. Complex DE surgery carries a risk of serious complications, therefore, it should be performed in centers of expertise. Such complications may, however, not have a significant negative impact on fertility outcomes, according to limited available data. Data on obstetric outcomes of spontaneous conceptions after DE surgery are too scarce. In asymptomatic, infertile patients the debate between primary surgery or Artifial Reproductive Technology is ongoing, until randomized studies report their results.

ENDOGRADE: A four level classification to rate surgical complexity in endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

We studied a post operative classification of surgical complexity in endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective monocentric observational study was conducted between January 2001 to December 2019 and included 764 women with DE that underwent surgery. We retrospectively graded surgical complexity through operative reports according to the ENDOGRADE classification, that grades the surgical complexity of DE in four progressive levels.

RESULTS

Operating time was longer for patients rated ENDOGRADE 3 (228±93 min) compared to patients rated ENDOGRADE 2 (120± 51 min) (p<10-3) and for patients rated ENDOGRADE 4 (301±99 min) compared to patients rated ENDOGRADE 3 (228±93 min), (p<10-3). Eighty percent (20/25) of peroperative complications were rated ENDOGRADE 3 or 4, 20% (5/25) were rated ENDOGRADE 1 or 2 (p = 0.01). Patients rated ENDOGRADE 2, 3 and 4 were 10.3 times (95CI=2.4-44.9, p = 2.10-3), 12.2 times (95CI=2.9-50.2, p = 5.10-4) and 38.3 times (95CI=9.1-162, p = 7.10-7) more likely to experience postoperative complications than those rated ENDOGRADE 1. According to multivariate analysis, only patients rated ENDOGRADE 2, 3, and 4 had a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications with an OR=16.0 (95CI=2.0-127.4, p = 9.10-3), OR=16.2 (95CI=1.6-159.7, p = 0.02) and OR=104.2 (95CI=24.6-440.5, p = 4.10-3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

ENDOGRADE classification of surgical complexity in DE is correlated to operating time, per- and post-operative complications.

Establishing the Australian National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Registry: A protocol paper

Endometriosis is a common yet under-recognised chronic inflammatory disease, affecting 176 million women, trans and gender diverse people globally. The National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Registry is a new clinical registry, collecting and tracking diagnostic and treatment data, and patient-reported outcomes on people with endometriosis. The registry is a research priority action item from the 2018 National Action Plan for Endometriosis and aims to provide, large-scale, national and longitudinal population-based data on endometriosis. Working groups (consisting of patients with endometriosis, clinicians and researchers) developing the NECST Registry data dictionary and data collection platform started in 2019. Our data dictionary was developed based on existing and validated questionnaires, tools, meta-data and data cubes - World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect), endometriosis CORE outcomes set, patient-reported outcome measures, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases-10th Revision Australian Modification diagnosis codes, and Australian Government datasets: Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (for sociodemographic data), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS; for medical procedures) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS; for medical therapies). The resulting NECST Registry is an online, secure cloud-based database; prospectively collecting minimum core clinical and health data across eight patient and clinician modules and longitudinal data tracking disease life course. The NECST Registry has ethics approval (HREC/62508/MonH-2020) and is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000987763).

A 39-Year-Old Woman with Endometriosis Who Developed a Subcapsular Liver Hematoma Following Laparotomic Surgical Left Adnexectomy, Rectosigmoid Anastomosis, and Bilateral Ureteral Reimplantation

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus. Deep endometriosis surgery is associated with considerable rates of complications, although such rates are lower in surgical procedures carried out by expert surgical teams. This report details a case of a rare but life-threatening complication in the postoperative period following 72 h of endometriosis surgery: a giant subcapsular hepatic hematoma, which was successfully managed conservatively. CASE REPORT Here we describe the case of a 39-year-old woman with deep endometriosis with ureteral, ovarian, and intestinal involvement requiring multidisciplinary surgery. She presented with severe anemia, respiratory distress, and oliguria 72 h postoperatively. A 3-phase computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a giant intrahepatic subcapsular hematoma (180×165×50 mm) lateral to the right hepatic lobe, which was managed conservatively. The patient evolved favorably and the hematoma was reduced (77×16 mm) in a follow-up CT scan performed 5 months later. CONCLUSIONS Giant liver hematoma is a rare, life-threatening complication. The current experience relating to its management remains largely limited owing to the rarity of the condition and paucity of published cases. Actually, we found no articles on hepatic hematoma in the context of endometriosis surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the patient's risk of death. Imaging diagnosis plays an essential role.

Approach to ureteral endometriosis: A single-center experience and meta-analysis of the literature

AIM

To report single-center outcomes of laparoscopic management of patients with ureteral endometriosis and perform a meta-analysis in order to select the best approach for these patients.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted during a 6-year period (2015-2021) in the referral endometriosis center on 353 patients with ureteral endometriosis. For the meta-analysis, 10 articles, including 505 patients, were found to be eligible. In our meta-analysis, as well as our study, all endometriosis-related pain symptoms and complications of surgery were evaluated, analyzed, and reported.

RESULTS

Of the 326 patients whose ureteral involvement was confirmed in pathology, hydronephrosis and intrinsic ureteral lesions were detected in only 10.76% and 3.1% of the patients. Mean operating time and hospitalization were 3.25 ± 1.83 h and 86 ± 2.58 days, respectively. The most common site of concomitant involvement with endometriosis was uterosacral ligament (92.9%) and rectosigmoid (70.53%). Type II and III of Cliven-Dindo complications were seen in 5.66% and 1.13% of patients, respectively. During a follow-up period, no evidence of bladder or ureteral re-involvement was observed. Similar to our meta-analysis, all endometriosis-related pain decreased significantly following operation (p ≤ 0.001). In our meta-analysis, the rate of ureteral endometriosis recurrence, stenosis/stricture, bladder atonia, urinary tract infection, hematuria, and fistula formation after surgery were: 2.0% (I² : 50.42%), 15.0% (I² : 0.00%), 14.0% (I² : 8.76%), 6.0% (I² : 0.00%), 7.0% (I² : 79.28%), and 2.0% (I² : 0.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic resection of the UE could be suggested as a feasible and safe method associated with favorable functional outcomes.

Outcomes after Laparoscopic Excision of Bladder Endometriosis Using a CO2 Laser: A Review of 207 Cases in a Single Center

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Assess efficacy, safety, fertility outcomes and recurrence after laparoscopic resection of bladder endometriosis (BE) using a CO₂ laser.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

University gynecologic surgery unit, referral center for endometriosis.

PATIENTS

A total of 207 women having undergone laparoscopic BE excision between January 1998 and January 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intra- and postoperative complication rates. Disease recurrence and fertility outcomes in patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up (n = 176) for "isolated" and "non-isolated" BE groups.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients presented with isolated BE. Bladder "shaving" without mucosae opening was performed in 50.7% cases. No intraoperative complications were noted. One postoperative grade 3 complication was related to BE excision: a bladder breach requiring closure by repeat laparoscopy. Mean (± SD) follow-up was 7.05 (± 4.65) years. In patients wishing to conceive (n = 132), the total pregnancy rate (PR) was 75% (48.5% spontaneous), 76.19% in the isolated BE group (56.3% spontaneous). Among the 94 patients with previous infertility, 74.5% conceived, 50% spontaneously. No statistical difference was found in PR and need for in vitro fertilization between isolated and nonisolated BE groups. BE recurrence rate was 3.4%. No difference was observed between groups with full-thickness bladder resection (4/88) and shaving (2/88) (p = .406). Age at surgery (hazard ratio 0.91 [0.84-0.98], p = .016) and postoperative pregnancy (hazard ratio 0.07 [0.01-0.91], p = .042) showed influence on disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that laparoscopic BE removal is feasible with very low complications rates and was associated with high PR (both spontaneous and in vitro fertilization), even in patients with previous infertility. BE recurrence is lower than for other endometriosis locations. Bladder endometriosis; Laparoscopy; Deep infiltrating endometriosis; Fertility; Partial bladder resection.

Deep Endometriosis and Infertility: What Is the Impact of Surgery?

In women with deep endometriosis, the spontaneous fertility rate might range from 2 to 10%. The optimal management of these women is still an area of debate. Therefore, this review aims to explore the literature on the impact of deep endometriosis surgery on reproductive outcomes and pregnancy rates in women with and without prior infertility. A total of 392 articles were identified through database searching. Twenty-three studies were eligible to be included in the review. A total of 1548 women were identified, 814 of whom became pregnant, with a mean pregnancy rate of 52.6% (95% CI 49.7-63%). Our review suggests that surgery may improve fertility outcomes. Due to the variability in the studies, it is impossible to stratify fertility outcomes of surgery by the localization of deep endometriosis. More investigations are needed to determine whether surgical management should be first-intention or limited to the failure of medically assisted reproduction treatment.

Transvaginal ultrasound evaluation of the pelvis and symptoms after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis

Objective:

To evaluate transvaginal sonography (TVS) findings after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis and to correlate postsurgical ultrasound findings with symptoms.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective study including women who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis. Within 12 months after surgery, TVS examination was conducted in all patients to evaluate the bladder morphology, and the presence of any postsurgical sonographic findings of the pelvis. Painful symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale.

Results:

A total of 40 women were included. At the follow-up visit, 25 patients were receiving medical treatment while 15 had declined post-surgical therapy and had tried to conceive. The presence of bladder deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was found in nine (22.5%), fibrotic thickening of the bladder wall was found in 15 (37.5%), and normal bladder morphology was observed in 16 (40%). There was a correlation between anterior adenomyosis and bladder DIE, and fibrotic thickening of the bladder. Patients with TVS signs of bladder DIE and anterior adenomyosis suffered more dysmenorrhea and dysuria than patients with normal bladder.

Conclusion:

Post-operative TVS can detect the alteration of pelvis and could explain the causes of the persistence of symptoms.

Management of patients with urinary tract endometriosis by gynecologists

Objective

The aim was to report the postoperative outcomes of urinary tract endometriosis (UTE), which is a form of deep, infiltrative endometriosis, and to contribute to the literature by presenting our experience.

Material and Methods

In the present study, patients who underwent surgery for endometriosis at our clinic between 2005 and 2019 and had a final pathological diagnosis of UTE were examined in detail. Patient information was retrospectively retrieved from the medical records. Data obtained pre-, peri-, and postoperatively were analyzed.

Results

Mean age of the 70 patients included, according to the study criteria, was 32.73±7.09 years. Ureteral involvement alone was observed in 49% (n=34) of the patients, bladder involvement alone was observed in 24% (n=17) of the patients, and both bladder and ureteral involvement were observed in 27% (n=19) of the patients. Microscopic hematuria was detected in 16% (n=11) of the patients, whereas preoperative urinary tract findings, such as recurrent urinary tract infections, were detected in 19% patients (n=13). Of the patients, 56% (n=39) were identified with dyspareunia, 56% (n=39) with dysmenorrhea, and 30% (n=21) with pelvic pain. Visual analog scale score was significantly lower after the procedure (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Although postoperative results were typically considered positive, surgical method performed in deep infiltrative endometriosis should aim to preserve fertility, improve quality of life, and reduce the complication rate to a minimum.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Ureteral Endometriosis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature for the preoperative clinical characteristics, surgical findings, and outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgical treatment of ureteral endometriosis (UE).

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Scopus databases.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, studies in English language that assessed UE treated surgically by laparoscopy published between 2008 and 2020 were selected.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

In an initial search, 1313 articles were identified, 193 in PubMed and 1120 in Scopus databases. A total of 1291 articles that did not meet eligibility criteria were excluded. The remaining 22 studies were included in the final qualitative analysis, with a total of 1337 patients. Data on preoperative patient's characteristics, preoperative imaging examinations, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications were abstracted by 1 author. The descriptive nature of included studies prevented the performance of meta-analysis. Preoperative symptoms included dysmenorrhea (76.3%), pelvic pain (59.6%), dyspareunia (46.2%), lower urinary tract symptoms (21.3%), and ureteral obstructive symptoms (9.9%). Intraoperative findings showed that UE lesions were left-sided in 55% of the cases, right-sided in 28.9% of the cases, and bilateral in 8.7% of the cases. Ureterolysis alone or before another technique was performed in 69.1% of the cases, ureteral resection followed by ureteroureteral anastomosis in 6%, ureteroneocystostomy after ureteral resection in 21%, and nephrectomy in 0.45% of the patients. Double-J ureteral stent placement was reported in 33.3% of the cases. Concomitant resection of the bladder owing to endometriosis involvement was performed in 15.5% of the cases. The prevalence of ureteral injury was 3.1%. Postoperative complications included ureteral fistula (2.8%), ureteral stenosis (24.2%), persistence/recurrence of UE (3.8%), and reoperation for fistula and/or stricture treatment (3.9%).

CONCLUSION

UE is associated with common endometriosis pain symptoms and a low rate of lower urinary tract symptoms. The standard surgical technique for UE treatment is not yet a consensus; however, the laparoscopic approach with previous ureterolysis, leaving ureteral resection only for refractory cases, seems to be a safe and effective treatment, with improvement of symptoms and few intraoperative and postoperative complications.

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.

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), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (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; non-financial support and other from Lumenis, Gedeon-Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Merck SA, outside the submitted work. The other authors had nothing to disclose.

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.

Effect of Anterior Compartment Endometriosis Excision on Infertility

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic surgical excision of bladder nodules has been demonstrated to be effective in relieving associated painful symptoms; the data are lacking concerning the impact of anterior compartment endometriosis on infertility. We conducted this study to evaluate whether or not the surgical excision of deep endometriosis affecting the anterior compartment plays a role in restoring fertility.

Methods:

This multicentre, retrospective study included a group of 55 patients presenting with otherwise-unexplained infertility who had undergone laparoscopic excision of anterior compartment endometriosis with histological confirmation. Patient medical records and operative reports were reviewed. Telephone interviews were conducted for long-term followup of fertility outcomes.

Results:

The pregnancy rate following surgical excision of endometriotic lesions was 44% (n = 11) among those with anterior compartment involvement alone and 50% (n = 15) in case of posterior lesions association without any significant difference. The symptoms related to bladder endometriosis resolved in the 84.2% of the cases with a recurrence rate of 1.8% at the 2-year followup not requiring further surgery.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic excision of anterior compartment endometriosis is effective in restoring fertility in patients with otherwise-unexplained infertility and in treating endometriosis-related symptoms.

Case report and surgical video presentation: Combined laparoscopic and cystoscopic partial bladder cystectomy for excision of deeply infiltrating endometriosis

Introduction

Whilst endometriosis is a relatively common condition, deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the bladder is less so, and when medical treatment fails, surgical management is an effective option. We present a case report and surgical video of a patient undergoing combined laparoscopic and cystoscopic excision of deeply infiltrating endometriosis of the bladder.

Design

Case report (Canadian Task Force Classification III) and step-by-step explanation of the surgery using video. Exemption was granted from the local institutional review board.

Presentation of case

We present a case report and surgical video of a 36-year-old nulliparous patient presenting with a 12-month history of sudden onset cyclical dysuria and haematuria. Imaging demonstrated a deeply infiltrating endometriotic nodule involving the bladder. The patient underwent a combined laparoscopic and cystoscopic excision of deeply infiltrating endometriosis of the bladder. The procedure was uneventful and the patient progressed to a full recovery.

Discussion

DIE is a highly invasive form of endometriosis which is defined arbitrarily as endometriosis infiltrating beneath the peritoneum by 5mm or greater. When medical therapy is declined or fails, surgical excision by partial cystectomy would appear to be the most effective management option. A combination of cystoscopy and laparoscopy has been shown to be a safe and feasible procedure, with a low rate of complications. It represents the ideal way by which to identify the resection limits for complete excision of the lesion, and allows for optimal repair of the bladder defect.

Conclusion

Combined laparoscopic and cystoscopic partial cystectomy for excision of deeply infiltrating bladder endometriosis is a safe and feasible procedure in our institution.

•

A case of surgical management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis of the bladder is reported.

•

Combined cystoscopic and laparoscopic excision can be performed for the treatment of this form of endometriosis.

•

This approach is safe, feasible and has a low rate of complications in the current literature.

Robotic Approach to Ureteral Endometriosis: Surgical Features and Perioperative Outcomes

Introduction: Surgical treatment of ureteral endometriosis is necessary to relieve urinary symptoms of obstruction and to preserve renal function. Which surgical approach to ureteral endometriosis should be considered the most appropriate is debated, due to the lack of scientific evidence. The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility and to describe the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive treatment of deep ureteral endometriosis using robotic assistance, highlighting the technical benefits and the limits of this approach.

Method: A case-series including 31 consecutive patients affected by high-stage endometriosis including ureteral endometriosis using robotic assistance in our Department between November 2011 and September 2017.

Results: All procedures were successfully completed by robotic technique, resulting in full excision of the parametrial nodules involving the ureter. Mean operating time was 184.8 ± 81 min. Mean hospital stay was 4.02 ± 3 days. Perioperative complications occurred in five patients and 4 out of 5 involved the urinary tract.

Conclusions: Robotic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter was feasible and allowed complete resection of ureteral nodules in all cases. No intraoperative complications arose, but a non-negligible rate of urinary tract complications was detected. This calls for a careful assessment of the benefits and specific risks associated with the use of robotic surgery for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter.

[Urinary tract involvement by endometriosis. Techniques and outcomes of surgical management: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]

Urinary tract involvement by endometriosis is reported in 1% of endometriosis patients (NP3). Consequences range from pelvic pain for bladder localizations to silent kidney loss in case of chronic ureteral obstruction (NP3). The feasibility of laparoscopic management was widely proven (NP3) and may reduce hospital stay length (NP4). Radical surgery with partial cystectomy for bladder localizations was shown to significantly and durably reduce pain symptoms with low risk of a severe postoperative complications (NP3). Medical hormonal treatment also shows short-term reduction of pain symptoms (NP4). Transureteral resection of bladder endometriosis nodule is not recommended (grade C) because of a high postoperative recurrence rate (NP4). Given a high risk of silent kidney loss, it is recommended that patients with ureteral involvement by endometriosis are managed by a multidisciplinary team considering urinary and potential extra-urinary localizations of endometriosis (grade C). No recommendation can be made on which technique to prefer between conservative (ureterolysis) or radical surgical techniques or on benefit and length of ureteral stents in case of ureteral involvement. Surgical management of bladder and ureteral localizations of endometriosis do not seem to be associated with altered or improved postoperative fertility (NP4). Since late postoperative ureteral anastomosis stenosis were reported with silent kidney loss, repeated postoperative imaging monitoring is justified (expert opinion).

Gastrointestinal and Urinary Tract Endometriosis: A Review on the Commonest Locations of Extrapelvic Endometriosis

Extrapelvic endometriosis is a rare entity that presents serious challenges to researchers and clinicians. Endometriotic lesions have been reported in every part of the female human body and in some instances in males. Organs that are close to the uterus are more often affected than distant locations. Extrapelvic endometriosis affects a slightly older population of women than pelvic endometriosis. This might lead to the assumption that it takes several years for pelvic endometriosis to "metastasize" outside the pelvis. All current theories of the pathophysiology of endometriosis apply to some extent to the different types of extrapelvic endometriosis. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common location of extrapelvic endometriosis with the urinary system being the second one. However, since sigmoid colon, rectum, and bladder are pelvic organs, extragenital pelvic endometriosis may be a more suitable definition for endometriotic implants related to these organs than extrapelvic endometriosis. The sigmoid colon is the most commonly involved, followed by the rectum, ileum, appendix, and caecum. Most lesions are confined in the serosal layer; however, deeper lesion can alter bowel function and cause symptoms. Bladder and ureteral involvement are the most common sites concerning the urinary system. Unfortunately, ureteral endometriosis is often asymptomatic leading to silent obstructive uropathy and renal failure. Surgical excision of the endometriotic tissue is the ideal treatment for all types of extrapelvic endometriosis. Adjunctive treatment might be useful in selected cases.

[Detrusor sphincter disorders associated with deep endometriosis: Systematic review of the literature]

CONTEXT

Detrusor sphincter disorders impact quality of life in case of deep endometriosis. Surgery, which is one of the main treatments, is responsible of detrusor sphincter disorders. Since then, it is essential to look for those disorders and find the right medical care.

OBJECTIVE

To specify the detrusor sphincter disorders, its links with anatomical localisation of deep endometriosis and its prognosis after surgery.

METHODS

A literature review was carried out via PubMed^® with the followings keywords: "deep endometriosis", "urinary disorders", "voiding dysfunction" and "urinary dysfunction". Prospective and retrospective studies as well as previous reviews were analyzed.

RESULTS

Concerning bladder deep endometriosis, detrusor sphincter disorders are observed in more than 50%. Resection of the lesions allows a clear improvement or even a disappearance of the disorders. Concerning the deep endometriosis of the posterior part of the pelvis, disorders are highlighted even if women do not complain of urinary trouble. Detrusor sphincter disorders are observed in 2 to 50% and women with colorectal localisation have the highest rate. Resection of the lesions improves the symptoms described preoperatively but also provides de novo disorders of up to 47.5%. In terms of prevention, the nerve sparing surgery respects the pelvic nerve plexus, and reduces post-operative morbidity to less than 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrusor sphincter disorders associated with deep endometriosis have a prognosis if their management is adapted. Well-conducted interviews and standardized questionnaires is necessary to diagnosis them. Urodynamic test may be discussed in case of bladder endometriosis, including for urinary asymptomatic patients. The management of the detrusor sphincter disorders requires a complete resection of the nodules of deep endometriosis. In the case of posterior endometriosis, a dissection must be performed respecting the retroperitoneal vegetative nerves.

Combined laparoscopic and cystoscopic approach in large deep infiltrating endometriosis of the bladder

Resection of endometriosis nodules infiltrating the bladder is routinely performed by laparoscopy. However, laparoscopic resection may lead to inadvertent loss of healthy bladder tissue. Conversely, when bladder nodules are treated by cystoscopy alone, resection may be incomplete. A combined laparoscopic-cystoscopic approach allows safe and controlled resection. The video reports the procedure performed in a 33 year-old primipara who presented with a 40mm bladder nodule. The laparoscopic step is carried out by the gynecologist, who separates the bladder from the uterus and opens the vesico-vaginal space. Concomitantly, the urologist identifies and circumscribes the nodule's limits by cystoscopy. Then, the gynecologist identifies the circular incision previously performed, and completes the resection. The bladder defect is sutured. Early and mid-term postoperative outcomes were uneventful. In patients with large nodules of the bladder, combined laparoscopic-cystoscopic approach allows complete resection of endometriosis lesion, preserves healthy bladder tissue and avoids inadvertent injury of ureters.

Surgical Outcomes of Urinary Tract Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of surgical management of urinary tract endometriosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective study based on prospectively recorded data (NCT02294825) (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

University tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Eighty-one women treated for urinary tract endometriosis between July 2009 and December 2015 were included, including 39 with bladder endometriosis, 31 with ureteral endometriosis, and 11 with both ureteral and bladder endometriosis. Owing to bilateral ureteral localization in 8 women, 50 different ureteral procedures were recorded.

INTERVENTION

Procedures performed included resection of bladder endometriosis nodules, advanced ureterolysis, ureteral resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis, and ureteroneocystostomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The main outcome measure was the outcome of the surgical management of urinary tract endometriosis. Fifty women presented with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the bladder and underwent either full-thickness excision of the nodule (70%) or excision of the bladder wall without opening of the bladder (30%). Ureteral lesions were treated by ureterolysis in 78% of the patients and by primary segmental resection in 22%. No patient required nephrectomy. Histological analysis revealed intrinsic ureteral endometriosis in 54.5% of cases. Clavien-Dindo grade III complications were present in 16% of the patients who underwent surgery for ureteral nodules and in 8% of those who underwent surgery for bladder endometriosis. Overall delayed postoperative outcomes were favorable regarding urinary symptoms and fertility. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 7 years postoperatively, with no recorded recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Surgical outcomes of urinary tract endometriosis are generally satisfactory; however, the risk of postoperative complications should be taken into consideration. Therefore, all such procedures should be managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

[Morbidity and functional long-term follow-up of patients with surgical treatment of urinary tract endometriosis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess postoperative complications, improvement of pain symptoms and residual urinary functional symptoms after surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis affecting ureter or bladder.

METHODS

Retrospective study of complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and urinary functional symptoms (Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire [USP]) of patients surgically treated between 2007 and 2015 in University Hospitals of Lyon.

RESULTS

Among 31 patients with endometriosis involving the bladder, 83.9% had a partial cystectomy and 16.1% an extra-mucosal resection. Among patients (n=20) with ureteral involvement, 85% had ureterectomy with ureterocystoneostomy and 15% had only ureterolysis. Grade III postoperative complications occurred in 6% and 0% of patients with bladder or ureteral surgery, respectively and no grade IV or V complications were reported. Mean bladder VAS dropped from 5.3±4.2 to 0.3±0.9 after a follow-up of 42 months (P<0.0001). In patients with ureteral involvement, mean flank VAS dropped from 3.6 to 0.9 after a follow-up of 33 months (P<0.0005). Mean postoperative USP score for dysuria and detrusor overactivity were 1.35/9 and 2.48/21 in case of bladder involvement, and 1.10/9 and 2.15/21 in case of ureteral involvement.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary surgical management of deep infiltrative endometriosis affecting urinary tract was associated to a low risk of severe postoperative complications and to a long-term significant improvement of pain symptoms without significant residual functional urinary symptoms.

Bladder Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment, Impact on Fertility, and Risk of Malignant Transformation

CONTEXT

The bladder is the most common site affected in urinary tract endometriosis. There is controversy regarding the pathogenesis, clinical management (diagnosis and treatment), impact on fertility, and risk of malignant transformation of bladder endometriosis (BE).

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, impact on female fertility, and risk of malignant transformation of BE.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of PubMed/Medline from inception until October 2016 was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement and was registered in the PROSPERO registry (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero; CRD42016039281). Eighty-seven articles were selected for inclusion in this analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

BE is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the detrusor muscle. Ultrasonography is the first-line technique for assessment of BE owing to its accuracy, safety, and cost. Clinical management can be conservative, using hormonal therapies, or surgical. When conservative treatment is preferred, estrogen-progestogen combinations and progestogens should be chosen because of their favorable profile that allows long-term therapy. Surgery should guarantee complete removal of the bladder nodule to minimize recurrence, so transurethral surgery alone should be avoided in favor of segmental bladder resection. There is not a strong rationale for hypothesizing a detrimental impact of BE per se on fertility. Furthermore, current evidence does not support the removal of bladder endometriotic lesions because of the potential risk of malignant transformation since this phenomenon is exceedingly rare.

CONCLUSIONS

BE is a challenging condition, and the common coexistence of other types of endometriosis means that clinical management of BE should involve collaboration between gynecologists and urologists.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this article we review available knowledge on bladder endometriosis. The review provides a useful tool to guide physicians in the management of this complex condition.

[Retroperitoneal endometriosis : When a rare form of endometriosis becomes a urological disease]

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal endometriosis is a common benign disease, which requires an interdisciplinary approach. In the clinical practice diagnosis is often delayed for years after onset of the unspecific symptoms so that increased awareness is necessary for detection of the presence of the disease.

OBJECTIVE

This article provides a description of the disease including the symptoms and pathogenesis, an introduction to the complexity of diagnostic investigations and the current therapy recommendations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Comparison of current therapy recommendations according to the guidelines under consideration of individual studies and background research. Assessment of studies and the accompanying interpretations with the intention of presenting an introduction to the topic with therapy recommendations.

RESULTS

From a urological point of view retroperitoneal endometriosis is a benign disease affecting the ureters and urinary bladder. Involvement of the ureters leading to hydronephrosis caused by ureteral compression represents an absolute indication for therapy. Recurrent macrohematuria can also necessitate treatment. Treatment includes surgical excision of the focal point of endometriosis as the first line therapy. Various operative procedures and access routes are available but when possible a minimally invasive procedure should be used. A second line drug therapy is also possible.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision of a clinically significant focus of endometriosis is the gold standard for therapy. This procedure should take place in a specialized center within an interdisciplinary consensus. Due to the fact that endometriosis is primarily a benign disease, medical clarification for the patient concerning the benefits and risks of therapy is absolutely necessary. An individual therapy concept under consideration of factors, such as the specific clinical relevance and psychological stress is recommended and in close cooperation with the patient.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting the urinary tract-surgical treatment and fertility outcomes in 2004-2013

Urinary tract endometriosis (UTE) is a rare form of deep infiltrating endometriosis. We studied the operative treatment of UTE and evaluated postoperative recurrences and fertility outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study of 53 women who underwent operative treatment for UTE in 2004–2013 at Helsinki University Hospital, and were followed-up until the end of 2014. The data were gathered from the hospital’s electronic database. The main outcome measures were complications, reoperations, postoperative pregnancies, and deliveries. Preoperative diagnosis was accurate in 72 % with bladder endometriosis and in 93 % with ureteral disease. Thirty-one (58 %) of the 53 operations were performed via laparoscopy. Postoperative complications requiring re-intervention occurred in five cases (9 %). Five reoperations were performed in four cases due to endometriosis recurrence, only two due to recurrence of UTE (4 %). Twenty-eight women wished for pregnancy; 18 (64 %) of them conceived. Infertility treatment was needed in 20 (71 %) cases. Twelve (75 %) women delivered via cesarean section; intraoperative difficulties occurred in ten (83 %). The complication rate with UTE operations is acceptable and recurrences are rare. Infertility is common, but 57 % of those who wished for a child succeeded. A majority of the deliveries involved unplanned and complicated cesarean section.

Complications and their management in endometriosis surgery

Endometriosis is a common chronic disease mostly seen in young women. Endometriosis surgery may be considered as rather challenging in gynecology. In this article, we tried to emphasize on basic concepts of endometriosis surgery, the best surgical method that should be applied and the complications and the management of the complications.

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.