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First-line diagnostic investigations for endometriosis are physical examination and pelvic ultrasound. The second-line investigations are: targeted pelvic examination performed by an expert clinician, transvaginal ultrasound performed by an expert physician sonographer (radiologist or gynaecologist), and pelvic MRI. Management of endometriosis is recommended when the disease has a functional impact. Recommended first-line hormonal therapies for the management of endometriosis-related pain are combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) or the 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS). There is no evidence base on which to recommend systematic preoperative hormonal therapy solely to prevent surgical complications or facilitate surgery. After surgery for endometriosis, a CHC or 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing IUS is recommended as first-line treatment when pregnancy is not desired. In the event of failure of the initial treatment, recurrence, or multiorgan involvement, a multidisciplinary team meeting is recommended, involving physicians, surgeons and other professionals. A laparoscopic approach is recommended for surgical treatment of endometriosis. HRT can be offered to postmenopausal women who have undergone surgical treatment for endometriosis. Antigonadotrophic hormonal therapy is not recommended for patients with endometriosis and infertility to increase the chances of spontaneous pregnancy, including postoperatively. Fertility preservation options must be discussed with patients undergoing surgery for ovarian endometriomas., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma is most often part of a global approach of endometriosis pathology. Isolated endometrioma are rare. Laparoscopic cystectomy is the gold standard for surgical management of endometrioma. Nevertheless, this technique impacts the ovarian function. The hemostasis of the ovarian cyst bed should be performed to conserve the ovarian stroma. Ultrasonography-guided cyst aspiration, laparoscopic drainage and simple bipolar coagulation are not recommended as first line of treatment. Based on the actual literature, we cannot state the place of laser-vaporization and plasma-energy ablation in surgical management. Ethanol sclerotherapy could be an alternative to treat recurrent endometrioma. Uncompleted surgical removal of endometriosis lesions increases the recurrence rate. Endometriosis management should take into account the research and treatment of all the pelvic lesion, especially before surgical management of endometrioma. In this context, the evaluation of ovarian reserve could be useful before surgery., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

First-line investigations to diagnose endometriosis are clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound. Second-line investigations include pelvic examination performed by a referent clinician, transvaginal ultrasound performed by a referent echographist, and pelvic MRI. It is recommended to treat endometriosis when it is symptomatic. First-line hormonal treatments recommended for the management of painful endometriosis are combined with hormonal contraceptives or levonorgestrel 52mg IUD. There is no evidence to recommend systematic preoperative hormonal therapy for the unique purpose of preventing the risk of surgical complications or facilitating surgery. After endometriosis surgery, combined hormonal contraceptives or levonorgestrel SIU 52mg are recommended as first-line therapy in the absence of desire of pregnancy. In case of initial treatment failure, recurrence, or multiple organ involvement by endometriosis, medico-surgical and multidisciplinary discussion is recommended. The laparoscopic approach is recommended for the surgical treatment of endometriosis. HRT may be offered in postmenopausal women operated for endometriosis. In case of infertility related to endometriosis, it is not recommended to prescribe anti-gonadotropic hormone therapy to increase the rate of spontaneous pregnancy, including postoperatively. The possibilities of fertility preservation should be discussed with the patient in case of surgery for ovarian endometrioma., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The article presents French guidelines for surgical management of endometriosis. Surgical treatment is recommended for mild to moderate endometriosis, as it decreases pelvic painful complaints and increases the likelihood of postoperative conception in infertile patients (A). Surgery may be proposed in symptomatic patients with ovarian endometriomas which diameter exceeds 20mm. Cystectomy allows for better postoperative pregnancy rates when compared to ablation using bipolar current, as well as for lower recurrences rates when compared to ablation using bipolar current or CO 2 laser. Ablation of ovarian endometriomas using bipolar current is not recommended (B). Surgery may be employed in patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the colon and the rectum, with good impact on painful complaints and postoperative conception. In these patients, laparoscopic route increases the likelihood of postoperative spontaneous conception when compared to open route. When compared to conservative rectal procedures (shaving or disc excision), segmental colorectal resection increases the risk of postoperative stenosis, requiring additional endoscopic or surgical procedures. In large deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum (>20mm length of bowel infiltration), conservative rectal procedures do not improve postoperative digestive function when compared to segmental resection. In patients with bowel anastomosis, placing anti-adhesion agents on contact with bowel suture is not recommended, due to higher risk of bowel fistula (C). Various other recommendations are proposed in the text, however, they are based on studies with low level of evidence., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) in the prediction of the infiltration depth of rectal endometriosis and to ascertain whether RES could be used to choose between segmental bowel resection and a more conservative approach, such as shaving or discoid resection., Methods: In this retrospective study, 38 consecutive patients with symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection were included. RES results for infiltration depth of rectal endometriosis were compared with results of pathological examination. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) and test accuracy were calculated for the presence of infiltration of the muscularis layers and submucosal/mucosal layers, as demonstrated by RES and confirmed by histopathological analysis., Results: For the detection of muscularis layer infiltration by endometriosis, the PPV of RES was 100%, whereas for the detection of submucosal/mucosal layer involvement, the sensitivity was 89%, specificity was 26%, PPV was 55%, NPV was 71%, test accuracy was 58% and positive and negative LRs were 1.21 and 0.40, respectively., Conclusions: RES is a valuable tool for detecting rectal endometriosis as endometriotic infiltration of the muscularis layer can be predicted accurately. However, RES is less accurate in detecting submucosal/mucosal layer involvement and cannot, therefore, be used to choose between bowel resection and a more conservative approach., (Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS), rectal endoscopic sonography (RES), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before deeply infiltrating endometriosis surgery., Patients and Methods: A retrospective study with 25 deeply endometriosis patients underwent the three imaging examinations before surgery. Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the different locations: ovaries, uterosacral ligaments and torus, rectovaginal septum, rectosigmoid junction, bladder., Results: Ovarian and deep pelvic endometriosis was found in surgery and confirmed by histology in all patients. Sensitivity and specificity are respectively: for ovaries: 88.2% and 71% of TVUS; 80% and 81.2% of RES; 87.5% and 71% of MRI. For uterosacral ligaments: 63% and 82,6% of TVUS; 37% and 100% of RES; 69% and 82.6% of MRI. For torus: 57.1% and 100% of TVUS; 76.2% and 100% of RES; 76.2% and 100% of MRI. For rectovaginal septum: 63.2% and 100% for TVUS; 89.5% and 66.7% of EER; 47.4% and 100% of MRI. For rectosigmoid junction: 73.7% and 66.7% of TVUS; 94.7% and 66.7% of RES; 89.5% and 50% of MRI. For bladder: 16.7% and 100% of TVUS; 16.7% and 100% of RES; 33.3% and 89.5% of MRI., Discussion and Conclusion: We found that TVUS is the more performant for endometriomas, it is MRI for torus, uterosacral ligaments and little bladder lesions, RES for rectovaginal septum and rectosigmoid junction. So in the clinical practice, the three imaging examinations are complementary for the preoperative assessment of deeply endometriosis., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate complications of transient ovariopexy performed to reduce adhesions in patients with severe endometriosis., Methods: A bicentric retrospective study involved 193 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis at 2 French university hospitals from 1997 to 2009. At the end of surgery, unilateral or bilateral transient ovariopexy was performed on 297 ovaries. Immediate (e.g. reproducibility, tolerance, and hospital stay) and long-term (evaluated via vaginal access to the ovaries, ovarian function, and ovarian vascularization) complications were assessed., Results: The technique, which was easy and reproducible, did not increase hospital stay and was well tolerated. There were 2 (0.7%) immediate complications. There was no difference in ovarian accessibility before and after surgery (177/183 [96.7%] vs 176/183 [96.1%]). Potential vaginal oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization was possible for all patients. The antral follicle count and the pulsatility index of suspended ovaries were not different from those of contralateral unsuspended ovaries. Endometrioma excision did not modify these results., Conclusion: The short- and long-term safety results of transient ovariopexy for adnexal adhesions in patients with severe endometriosis were encouraging., (Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: This study was undertaken to ascertain whether the incidence of spontaneous pregnancy is increased in infertile women with deep and intraperitoneal endometriosis undergoing extensive surgery compared with those undergoing only intraperitoneal surgery., Design: Retrospective case control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1)., Setting: University teaching hospital., Patients: Infertile women under the age of 40 years with deep and intraperitoneal endometriosis and no other associated major infertility factors. Only patients with at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up were included., Interventions: Intraperitoneal surgery only (group 1) or extensive surgery (group 2) according to a shared decision-making approach., Measurements and Main Results: Among the 34 women in group 1, 6 became pregnant, compared with 8 of the 41 women who had extensive surgery (12-month cumulative probabilities, 24.8% and 11.4%, respectively, and 24-month cumulative probabilities, 24.8% and 23.2%, respectively; p = .82). Perioperative surgical complication rate was higher in group 2 (6/41 versus 0/34; p = .02)., Conclusion: Extensive surgery for intraperitoneal and deep endometriosis in infertile women does not modify global fertility outcome but is associated with a higher complication rate., (Copyright © 2011 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess adhesion formation and fertility outcome after transient abdominal ovariopexy performed in patients with severe endometriosis., Study Design: Retrospective study including 218 patients who underwent surgery for severe endometriosis from 1997 to 2009. One hundred and thirty-nine (64%) patients were infertile. The initial ASRM stage was IV in 139 cases, III in 43 cases and II in 36 cases. Adnexal adhesions were scored by using the Operative Laparoscopy Study Group (OLSG) and modified AFS scoring systems. Unilateral or bilateral transient abdominal ovariopexy of 336 ovaries was performed to prevent adhesion formation or reformation for extensive surgery. In patients who underwent a second operation, adnexal adhesion scores were reported. Fertility outcome was evaluated by a questionnaire., Results: Second-look surgery was performed after 11.7 ± 2.4 months in 24 patients (11%) who had undergone 38 ovariopexies. Transient abdominal ovariopexy significantly decreased adnexal adhesion scores (p<0.05). Regarding fertility outcome, the median follow up was 19.6 ± 1.5 months. Fifty-eight patients, out of 105 infertile women who actively tried to conceive after surgery, conceived, 21 (36%) spontaneously and 37 (64%) after ART. The median time interval for conception was 8.6 ± 1 months., Conclusion: In patients with severe endometriosis, transient abdominal ovariopexy is an effective technique in preventing postoperative adhesion formation and in improving fertility outcome., Condensation: In 218 patients with severe endometriosis, transient abdominal ovariopexy was an effective technique in preventing adhesion formation and improving fertility outcome., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the fertility status in women suffering from major postoperative complications following deep endometriosis surgery., Study Design: A retrospective study in teaching and research hospitals (tertiary centers) including 23 women submitted to the surgical treatment for deep endometriosis and presenting a major postoperative complication. Postoperatively, women desiring pregnancy who conceived were compared to those who did not conceive using Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test. Main outcome measure included the pregnancy rate among these women., Results: The overall intrauterine pregnancy rate was 47.8% and the live birth rate was 30.4%. There were 10 spontaneous conceptions and 3 IVF conceptions among 11 patients. Women who did not conceive were older than those who conceived (33.9 vs. 29.3 years; p = 0.02). The pregnancy rate after intestinal complications was lower than after urinary complications (33.3% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Fertility remains preserved among women experiencing a major complication after removal of deep endometriosis with a live birth rate of 30.4%. Women experiencing bowel complications have a reduced probability of conception compared with those who experience a urologic complication., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Several surgical treatment modalities have been described in cases of isolated or multiple ovarian endometriotic cysts. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate and test the efficacy of ethanol sclerotherapy (EST) for recurrent endometriotic cysts, before ovarian stimulation in infertile patients with an adequate ovarian status. In the setting of a prospective comparative study, EST was proposed to 31 infertile patients with recurrence of ovarian endometriomas before inclusion in assisted reproduction cycles. Reproductive outcome was compared with that of patients who had previous laparoscopic cystectomy for recurrent endometriomas. The mean size of endometriomas treated with sclerotherapy was 38.6 +/- 11.2 mm in diameter. Ovarian cysts recurred in 12.9% of cases; at a mean time of 10 months after EST. Ovarian reserve and ovarian response to stimulation were better in the EST group than in the control group. Consequently, clinical and cumulative pregnancy rates of the study group were higher than those of the control group (48.3% versus 19.2%, P = 0.04; and 55.2% versus 26.9%, P = 0.03, respectively). Ethanol sclerotherapy may be a good alternative to surgical management of recurrent endometriotic cysts before assisted reproductive treatment. It could be advised for selected infertile patients.

Objective: This study aims to show the treatment outcome in women affected by bladder endometriosis., Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of records of 24 women with deep vesical endometriosis treated between 1998 and 2007., Results: All cases had cyclic symptoms even though they were not specific. A percentage of 66% of women had concomitantly deep nodules of the rectovaginal septum and/or uterosacral ligaments. Five patients (20.8%) had previously undergone a transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder lesion, but this therapy has failed in all cases. Partial cystectomy was carried out in 14 patients (60.8%) and an extramucosal dissection of the endometriotic lesion in nine patients (39.2%). Laparoscopy was used in 19 cases (82.6%). Recurrence of bladder endometriotic lesions was documented in two patients. This was mainly due to an incomplete initial treatment. Success rate, defined by total improvement of symptoms after the initial treatment, was estimated at 86.7% in this series. The only complication encountered was a pelvic hematoma with bladder compression that required a ureteral cannulation (JJ). Seven patients out of 11 became pregnant; four of them were infertile before the surgical treatment., Discussion and Conclusion: Diagnosis of bladder endometriosis is often difficult to make because of its non-specific symptoms. The management is mainly surgical and resection should be complete. TUR is not an optimal treatment for bladder endometriosis.

Objectives: Indications of colorectal resection for endometriosis are controversial because of the risk of major complications. This study aims to evaluate the value of different diagnostic tests in decision-making, and to evaluate the surgical results and complications, as well as long-term functional results after surgery., Patients and Methods: In the set of a retrospective case series, 50 patients who have been admitted for a colorectal resection because of deep endometriosis were included. Most of them have had an MRI and an endorectal ultrasonography. Specific questionnaires have been proposed in order to evaluate symptoms, sexuality (BISF-W) and quality of life (EHP-30)., Results: For the diagnosis of rectal involvement, the sensitivity of MRI and endorectal ultrasonography were 55 and 100%, respectively. Forty-one colorectal amputations and nine partial colorectal resections have been done by 24 laparotomies, two laparoscopies and 24 laparoconversions. Major complications included six (12.5%) digestive fistulas, three (6%) anastomotic strictures, one ureterovaginal fistula and one ureteral stricture. Risk factors associated with digestive fistulas were the association of a vaginal opening (p=0.002) and an additional ileocaecal resection (p=0.007). The mean follow-up period was of 42 months. A significant improvement of dysmenorrhea (p<10(-4)), dyschesia (p<10(-4)), chronic pelvic pain (p<10(-4)), and of some digestive symptoms such as catamenial epreintes (p=0.002) and catamenial diarrheas (p=0.006), was noted. We noted postoperative 14 dysurias, six constipations and 12 rectal polykynesias. Four patients have had deep recurrent lesions. Twenty patients had a desire of pregnancy after the operation, 17 pregnancies were obtained (eight spontaneous and nine by ART) giving birth to 14 living children. Sexuality evaluation was below normal range. The quality of life was improved for most of the items. The global satisfaction was good (91%)., Discussion and Conclusion: Colorectal resection for deep endometriosis improve significantly most of the pain symptoms, but the women should have detailed counselling about the risks of major complications and recurrence.

Objective: To investigate the follicular response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF-ET cycles after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for large endometriomas., Patients and Methods: In the set of a retrospective controlled study, the medical records of 113 infertile women who underwent IVF-ET cycles after laparoscopic surgery were reviewed. The study group (A) consisted of 63 patients with severe pelvic endometriosis and endometrioma excision. The control group (B) consisted of 50 infertile patients with mild or minimal endometriosis. Interventions were laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy in the study group, and COH in both groups., Results: Groups A and B were not different in terms of epidemiologic data. The total numbers of recruited follicles (9.1+/-3.3 vs 10.6+/-4.2; P = 0.001), mature follicles (> or =16 mm) (4.2+/-1.7 vs 4.8+/-2.2; P = 0.04), mature oocytes retrieved (5.8+/-3.8 vs 7.4+/-4.6; P = 0.02), and fertilization rate (48.9+/-34.9 vs 61.8+/-32.1%; P = 0.02) observed in group A were lower than those observed in group B, respectively. While the mean number of rFSH ampoules (75 IU) was increased in group A (38.1+/-20.4) compared to group B (29.3+/-16.4; P = 0.004), cumulative pregnancy rates were similar in both groups (27.5+/-8.8% vs 37.2+/-10.6%; P = 0.37)., Discussion and Conclusions: Ovarian response was reduced during IVF-ET cycles in patients with history of severe endometriosis and laparoscopic excision of endometriomas compared to women with mild or minimal endometriosis without ovarian surgery.

Adenocarcinomas developing in endometriotic lesions have been reported, most commonly in the ovary. The rectovaginal septum is a rare location of this neoplastic transformation. We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum in a 25-year-old woman presenting with lower abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Diagnostic and treatment modalities were discussed. Immunohistochemical studies of different keratin subtypes and CA125 expression of the tumor cells are of interest for the diagnosis. Preoperative radiation therapy promotes clinical symptoms relief, tumor volume reduction, and better radical surgical approach.

This is an epidemiological study of 1,498 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for different reasons. Between 1989 and 1996, 308 cases of endometriosis were identified among 1,498 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. One hundred and five patients were admitted for pelvic pain, 794 for infertility, 319 patients had both on admission, and 280 were admitted for non-gynecologic complaints. The incidence of endometriosis is related to the chief complaint on admission. This disease has different clinical manifestations, different locations and different stages. The mean age in our series is greater than that reported by the literature. The symptoms are related to the location of the lesions but not the stage of the disease. Unlike pelvic pain, infertility is correlated to the stages of the disease.