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Background: Endometriosis is a relatively common condition in women of reproductive age. Malignant transformation of intestinal endometriosis is a very rare event. We report a case in which a patient with a history of endometriosis underwent surgery for malignant intestinal endometriosis., Case Presentation: A 55-year-old woman complained of rectorrhagia and intermittent abdominal pain. A neoplasm was revealed by colonoscopy, CT scan and F18-FDG PET/CT of the recto-sigmoidal colon. The patient underwent a rectal anterior resection, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for treatment. According to the histological and immunohistochemical presentation, the diagnosis of endometriosis-associated recto-sigmoid cancer was confirmed. The patient was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for 6 months. During the follow-up appointment 22 months later, there was clinical and radiographic evidence of recurrence in the rectum. The patient received chemotherapy again and will receive another surgery after two more cycles of chemotherapy., Conclusion: We report a case of malignant intestinal endometriosis. Although there is no standard therapy for malignant intestinal endometriosis due to the rarity of this disease, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy seemed to be rational. This case indicates that local recurrence may be a common situation after standard therapy.

Study Objective: To evaluate whether combining computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves preoperative assessment of colorectal endometriosis., Design: Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2)., Setting: University tertiary referral center., Patients: Seventy-one women treated for colorectal endometriosis managed between June 2015 and May 2016., Interventions: Patients included in our study underwent colorectal surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum or the sigmoid colon and had preoperative assessment using MRI and CTC. To establish the correlation between preoperative and intraoperative findings, the concordance kappa index was used., Measurements and Main Results: Preoperative data provided by MRI, CTC, and a combination of both were compared with intraoperative findings. All 71 patients had a total of 105 endometriotic intestinal lesions intraoperatively confirmed. Some 71.2% of rectal nodules and 60.0% of sigmoid nodules infiltrated the muscularis propria of the intestinal wall, with most infiltrating between 25% and 50% of the rectal circumference; 73% of rectal nodules and 96% of sigmoid nodules led to varying degrees of stenosis. The concordance between intraoperative and preoperative findings concerning the presence of rectal nodules was high, at .88 when associating CTC with MRI, whereas each imaging technique taken individually provided lower concordance coefficients. In our study 80.3% of patients underwent the procedure that had been preoperatively planned., Conclusion: Our study suggests that associating MRI with CTC leads to improved accuracy in preoperative assessment of colorectal endometriosis and in subsequent preoperative choice of surgical procedures on the digestive tract., (Copyright © 2018 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A comprehensive literature review was performed to evaluate the effect of various hormonal therapies, in terms of variations of intestinal and pain complaints and of patient satisfaction with treatment, in women with symptomatic, non-severely sub-occlusive endometriosis infiltrating the proximal rectum and sigmoid colon. A MEDLINE search through PubMed from 2000 to 2018 was conducted to identify all original English language articles published on medical treatment for colorectal endometriosis. Additional reports were identified by systematically reviewing reference lists and using the "similar articles" function in PubMed. A total of 420 women with colorectal endometriosis treated with combined oral contraceptives, progestins, gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) agonists and aromatase inhibitors have been described in eight case series, two retrospective cohort studies and four case reports. Published data consistently suggest that several hormonal medications can control most symptoms associated with intestinal endometriosis, provided the relative bowel lumen stenosis is less than 60%. Patients with irritative-type symptoms appear to respond better than those with constipation. Overall, about two-thirds of women were satisfied with the treatment received, independently of the drug used. Progestins are the compound supported by the largest body of evidence. The addition of aromatase inhibitors or, alternatively, the use of GnRH agonists does not seem to be associated with better outcomes. Long-term treatment with a progestin should be proposed as an alternative to surgery to patients with non-severely sub-occlusive endometriosis infiltrating the proximal rectum and sigmoid colon who are not seeking conception. The final decision should be shared together with the woman, respecting her preferences and priorities., (© 2018 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

The most common location of extragenital endometriosis is the bowel. Medical treatment may not provide long-term improvement in patients who are symptomatic, and consequently most of these patients may require surgical intervention. Over the past century, surgeons have continued to debate the optimal surgical approach to treating bowel endometriosis, weighing the risks against the benefits. In this expert review we will describe how the recommended surgical approach depends largely on the location of disease, in addition to size and depth of the lesion. For lesions approximately 5-8 cm from the anal verge, we encourage conservative surgical management over resection to decrease the risk of short- and long-term complications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To report postoperative outcomes after dual digestive resection for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and the colon., Design: A retrospective study using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database (Canadian Task Force classification II-2)., Setting: A university tertiary referral center., Patients: Twenty-one patients managed for multiple colorectal deep endometriosis infiltrating nodules., Interventions: Concomitant disc excision and segmental resection of both the rectum and sigmoid colon., Measurements and Main Results: The assessment of postoperative outcomes was performed. Rectal nodules were managed by disc excision and segmental resection in 20 patients and 1 patient, respectively. Sigmoid colon nodules were removed by short segmental resection and disc excision in 15 and 6 patients, respectively. The rectal nodule diameter was between 1 and 3 cm and over 3 cm in 33% and 67% of patients, respectively. Associated vaginal infiltration requiring vaginal excision was recorded in 76.2% of patients. The mean diameter of the rectal disc removed averaged 4.6 cm, and the mean height of the rectal suture was 5.8 cm. The length of the sigmoid colon specimen and the height of the anastomosis were 7.3 cm and 18.5 cm, respectively. The mean operative time was 290 minutes, and the mean postoperative follow-up averaged 30 months. Clavien-Dindo 3 complications occurred in 28% of patients, including 4 with rectal fistulae (19%). The pregnancy rate was 67% among patients with pregnancy intention., Conclusion: Our data suggest that combining disc excision and segmental resection to remove multiple deep endometriosis nodules infiltrating the rectum and the sigmoid colon can preserve the healthy bowel located between 2 consecutive nodules. However, the rate of postoperative complications is high, particularly in patients with large low rectal nodules., (Copyright © 2017 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Women with endometriosis often experience pain and infertility. Medical treatment interferes with the possibility of attaining pregnancy. For infertile women with endometriosis, surgery is a possible treatment, but with advanced disease there is an increased risk of serious complications. With only limited pain, women will often be referred for in vitro fertilization treatment instead. The disease is estrogen-dependent and during in vitro fertilization treatment the women could theoretically experience worsening of their symptoms., Material and Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study of 76 women with bowel endometriosis who were treated conservatively and underwent in vitro fertilization treatment., Results: Nine (11.8%) of the women experienced severe worsening of their bowel-related symptoms, including two patients presenting with colon ileus. One additional woman had no previous diagnosis of endometriosis before she presented with subocclusion of the bowel during in vitro fertilization. In all cases the in vitro fertilization treatment was stopped., Conclusions: Our study revealed that bowel endometriosis increases the risk of complications during in vitro fertilization treatment. This is in contrast to several publications. However, our study population is different due to the fact that none of these women had previous operations for bowel endometriosis. In all, 88% of the women completed fertility treatment without need for surgery., (© 2017 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Study Objective: To compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) with and without bowel preparation (BP) to detect and describe intestinal nodules of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with laparoscopic findings., Design: A prospective study of paired data (Canadian Task Force classification II.1)., Setting: A tertiary university hospital from November 2014 to November 2015., Patients: A cohort of women awaiting surgery for endometriosis., Interventions: The wall of the rectum and the lower sigmoid colon of the patients were evaluated by 2 TVUSs: the first ultrasound was performed without previous BP, and the second was done after a 3-day low-residue diet and two 250-mL enemas 12 hours and 3 hours before TVUS., Measurements and Main Results: The presence or absence of rectosigmoid nodules visualized by TVUS with and without BP was compared with laparoscopic results. Forty patients with a mean age of 36.8 ± 5.0 years were included in the study. By comparing the surgical findings histologically confirmed (the presence or absence of bowel nodules and localization) with those of the 2 TVUSs with and without BP, the sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen kappa were 100%, 96%, and 0.95 and 73%, 88%, and 0.61, respectively. Laparoscopy showed that up to 37.5% of patients (15/40) presented bowel involvement. Variables were clearly more evaluable with than without BP., Conclusion: TVUS with BP has a higher accuracy than TVUS without BP. BP allows and facilitates the detection of more rectal nodules of DIE in patients with suspected endometriosis and surgical criteria., (Copyright © 2017 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To provide a mapping of bowel occult microscopic endometriosis implants from colorectal specimens removed from patients who had undergone colorectal resection for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum.Design: A series of consecutive patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum or/and sigmoid colon, between January 2013 and December 2013.Setting: University tertiary referral center.Patient(s): Twenty-six patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum or/and sigmoid colon.Intervention(s): Surgical management by colorectal resection.Main Outcome Measure(s): Twenty-six patients with prospective recording of data (age, clinical history, symptoms, preoperative assessment, and intraoperative findings) underwent colorectal resection for bowel endometriosis. Mapping of occult microscopic endometriosis implants from specimens was established by histologic examination of 1,051 microsection slides taken from transversal macrosections of 3-mm thickness (40 microsections per patient on average).Result(s): The mean (SD) length of colorectal specimens was 110 (42) mm. Microimplants were found at varying distances up to 54 mm from macronodule limits. Multiple macroscopic nodules were identified in five patients (19.2%). In 18 specimens (69%) diffusion of endometriosis microimplants was longitudinal, whereas in 8 specimens (31%) diffusion was concentrated around the macroscopic nodule. Respectively, 31%, 19%, 8%, and 4% of patients presented with endometriosis microimplants at 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm from macroscopic nodules.Conclusion(s): The present data suggest that in patients presenting with deep colorectal endometriosis, microscopically complete excision of rectal endometriosis may be unachievable because of bowel occult microscopic endometriosis implants located far from macroscopic nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of study was to compare the accuracy between rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasound (RWC-TVS) and double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) in evaluating the bowel endometriosis presence as well as its extent., Design and Setting: 198 patients at reproductive age with suspicious bowel endometriosis were included. Physicians in two groups specialised at endometriosis performed RWC-TVS as well as DCBE before laparoscopy and both groups were blinded to other groups' results. Findings from RWC-TVS or DCBE were compared with histological results. The severity of experienced pain severity through RWC-TVS or DCBE was assessed by an analogue scale of 10 cm., Results: In total, 110 in 198 women were confirmed to have endometriosis nodules in the bowel by laparoscopy as well as histopathology. For bowel endometriosis diagnosis, DCBE and RWC-TVS demonstrated sensitivities of 96.4% and 88.2%, specificities of 100% and 97.3%, positive prediction values of 100% and 98.0%, negative prediction values of 98.0% and 88.0%, accuracies of 98.0% and 92.4%, respectively. DCBE was related to more tolerance than RWC-TVS., Conclusions: RWC-TVS and DCBE demonstrated similar accuracies in the bowel endometriosis diagnosis; however, patients showed more tolerance for RWC-TVS than those with DCBE., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Endometriosis is a benign chronic inflammatory disease, whose pathogenesis is still unclear. Endometriosis is responsible for infertility and/or pelvic pain. One of the most important features of the disease is the heterogeneity (clinical and anatomical: superficial peritoneal, ovarian and/or deep infiltrating lesions). Bowel involvement constitutes one particularly severe form of the disease, affecting 8-12% of women with deep endometriosis. In case of associated infertility, bowel endometriosis constitutes a real therapeutic challenge for gynecologists. Indeed, while complete resection of the lesions alleviates pain and seems to improve spontaneous fertility, surgery remains technically challenging and may cause severe complications. Reverting to assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is another valuable therapeutic option regarding pregnancy rates. Thus, the choice between surgical management or ART is still debated. Benefits and risks of these two options should be considered and discussed before planning treatment. In the present study, we aimed to answer the question: Bowel endometriosis and infertility: do we need to operate?, (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To study the application of a fast-track care protocol in colorectal surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis. Bowel endometriosis is an infrequent but not rare condition that often needs intestinal surgery and imposes a high economic burden on society., Design: Prospective randomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification I)., Setting: Tertiary referral center., Patients: Two hundred twenty-seven patients with preoperative evidence of bowel endometriosis., Interventions: We randomly assigned 227 patients with preoperative evidence of bowel endometriosis to a fast-track protocol (no preoperative bowel preparation, early restoration of diet, no postoperative antibiotics, and early postoperative mobilization) or conventional care for laparoscopic intestinal surgery. Randomization was obtained on a double-blind, date-based schedule, and all procedures were performed by a homogenous group of expert surgeons. Surgical outcomes and a health economic evaluation were assessed., Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was hospital stay. Patient's well-being and intraoperative and postoperative complications up to 30 days after surgery were also assessed. Subsequently, direct medical costs were analyzed. Patients assigned to the fast-track protocol were discharged earlier (median 3 vs 7 days, p < .001) with no significant differences in subjective well-being (p = .55). Operative details, postoperative complications, and need of temporary ileostomy were similar (p = .89) between groups as well as readmission rates within 30 days (p = .69). The application of a fast-track protocol resulted in an overall significant reduction of costs (USD 6699 vs 8674, p < .01), and differences were more evident in cases of protective stoma (7652 vs 8793, p < .05) and surgery with postoperative complications (10 835 vs 14 005, p < .01)., Conclusion: The application of a fast-track care protocol for laparoscopy in cases of pelvic and intestinal endometriosis does not increase the risk of complications and ensures a reduction of medical costs., (Copyright © 2017 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Reduced fertility is a major concern in women with endometriosis. The influence of surgery of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) affecting the bowel wall on fertility is controversial and the literature on this field is heterogeneous. In this review we addressed whether surgery for bowel DIE improves the spontaneous pregnancy rate, and the results of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the potential risk of such surgery., Material and Methods: We conducted a literature search including the terms "deep", "deep infiltrating", "bowel", rectovaginal", "endometriosis", "fertility", "infertility" and "IVF" in PubMed., Results: No randomized controlled studies were found. Other publications of relevance included four retrospective and three prospective observational studies. Moreover, one retrospective study compared results of IVF treatment with or without previous surgery for bowel DIE. All studies reported detailed data on surgical complications. The poor data quality precluded firm conclusions. The results indicate, however, the possibility that surgery for bowel DIE may improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate, and positive effects on IVF outcome cannot be excluded. Such surgery will be associated with risk of major complications., Conclusion: The lack of proper data precludes conclusions on the potential role for bowel DIE surgery to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate and results of IVF treatment. Positive effects cannot be excluded, but the definite risk of major complications must be taken into account., (© 2017 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Objective: To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance enema (MR-e) and rectal water-contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC-TVS) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis., Methods: This prospective study included 286 patients of reproductive age with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Patients underwent MR-e and RWC-TVS before laparoscopic excision of endometriotic lesions. The findings of MR-e and RWC-TVS were compared with surgical and histological results., Results: Of the 286 patients included in the study, 151 (52.8%) had rectosigmoid endometriosis. MR-e and RWC-TVS had similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.063). In the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis with MR-e, the sensitivity was 95.4% (95% CI, 90.7-99.1%), specificity was 97.8% (95% CI, 93.6-99.5%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 98.0% (95% CI, 94.1-99.6%), negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.0% (95% CI, 89.9-97.9%), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 42.91 (95% CI, 14.01-131.46) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02-0.10). For diagnosis with RWC-TVS, sensitivity was 92.7% (95% CI, 87.3-96.3%), specificity was 97.0% (95% CI, 92.6-99.2%), PPV was 97.2% (95% CI, 93.0-99.2%), NPV was 92.3% (95% CI, 86.6-96.1%), LR+ was 31.29 (95% CI, 11.90-82.25) and LR- was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04-0.13). MR-e and RWC-TVS underestimated the size of the endometriotic nodules; for both imaging techniques the underestimation was greater for nodules with a diameter ≥ 30 mm. There was no significant difference in the mean intensity of pain experienced by the patients during the two examinations., Conclusions: RWC-TVS should be the first-line investigation in patients with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis and physicians should be trained in performing this examination. Considering that MR-e is more expensive than RWC-TVS, it should be used only when the findings of RWC-TVS are unclear. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To compare the performance of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and rectal water-contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC-TVS) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, and compare precision in estimating the length of the rectosigmoid nodules and the distance between the nodules and the anal verge., Methods: This prospective study included 70 patients of reproductive age with clinical suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Patients underwent RWC-TVS and CTC before laparoscopic excision of endometriotic nodules. The findings of RWC-TVS and CTC were compared with surgical and histological results., Results: Of the 70 patients included in the study, 40 (57.1%) had rectosigmoid endometriosis. CTC and RWC-TVS had similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.508) and similar precision in estimating the length of the endometriotic nodules (P = 0.077). CTC was more precise than RWC-TVS in estimating the distance between the rectosigmoid nodule and the anal verge (P < 0.001). The intensity of pain experienced during CTC was higher than that perceived during RWC-TVS (P < 0.001); however, intestinal distension for CTC was well-tolerated in all patients without significant adverse effects., Conclusions: RWC-TVS and CTC have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis and similar precision in estimating the size of the nodules; however, CTC is more precise than RWC-TVS in estimating the distance between the nodules and the anal verge, yet patients tolerate RWC-TVS better than CTC. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Ileocecal endometriosis is rare. Symptoms range from no symptoms, cramps, vomiting, to acute intestinal obstruction. Our objective was to review our cases, clarify, and resume its most appropriate management focusing on the factors to determine diagnosis. This is a retrospective study by revision of medical charts of all ileal endometriosis cases of our unit from 2006 to 2014., Case Report: Seven cases were found; three (43%) had previous endometriosis laparoscopic diagnosis, four (57%) had partial bowel obstruction episodes, three (43%) had chronic pelvic pain, and one developed acute intestinal obstruction in postoperative ileostomy closure. In three (43%), the diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and double contrast barium enema, in one (14%) only with MRI, and the other three (43%) during surgery. All patients underwent resection of the ileum and evolved favorably., Conclusion: Variability in symptoms hinders diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnosis is MRI, but clinical suspicion optimizes imaging test diagnosis. Segmental resection should be indicated in the majority of the cases., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: To evaluate and compare medium-term clinical outcomes and recurrence rates in the laparoscopic surgical management of bowel endometriosis comparing 3 different surgical techniques (shaving, discoid, and segmental resection)., Design: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2)., Setting: Endometriosis tertiary referral center., Patients: A retrospective cohort of 106 patients with histological confirmation of bowel endometriosis undergoing laparoscopic surgical treatment between January 1, 2010, and September 1, 2012., Intervention: Assessment of laparoscopic bowel shaving, discoid or segmental resection for the treatment of painful symptoms related to deep endometriosis (DE) involving the bowel with 24 months of follow-up., Measurements and Main Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study and were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical procedure performed (shaving, n = 47; discoid resection, n = 15; segmental resection, n = 30). All symptoms improved significantly in the immediate postoperative follow-up, with significant reduction in all visual analog scale scores for pain. Compared with the discoid resection and segmental resection groups, the shaving group had a significantly higher rate of medium-term recurrence of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. Furthermore, the shaving group had a higher rate of reintervention for recurrent DE lesions compared with the segmental resection group (27.6% vs 6.6%; relative risk [RR], 4.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-17.1). Postoperative complication rates were similar across all 3 groups with a rate of major complications of 4.2% in the shaving group, 6.6% in the discoid resection group, and 6.6% in the segmental resection group. According to our data, the patients with a nodule >3 cm had an RR of 2.5 (95% CI, 1.66-3.99) of requiring bowel resection., Conclusion: All 3 treatment modalities are effective in terms of immediate symptom relief with acceptable complication rates. However, significantly higher rates of symptom recurrence and reintervention were noted in the shaving group, whereas segmental resection is more likely to be indicated in cases of large nodules., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Endometriosis surgery by laparoscopy or laparotomy can be associated with various types of intestinal complications that may occur in the immediate postoperative period or later. They include bowel anastomotic dehiscence, rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic bleeding, intra-abdominal infections, wound infections, bowel stricture, intestinal obstruction, chronic constipation, and diarrhea. There is growing evidence that bowel injuries can be repaired by primary closure in two layers even without previous bowel preparation. Surgical treatments of deep bowel endometriosis include conservative surgery (including shaving technique or discoid resection) or a more radical approach such as bowel resection that is associated with increased complications. Good perfusion and no tension at the anastomosis site are essential when segmental resection is performed. Early recognition of bowel complications during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period is fundamental to decreased morbidity and mortality. This chapter will deal with the prevention of bowel complication in minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum is a severe disease concerning young women of reproductive age. Because it is a benign condition, aggressive surgical treatment and subsequent complications are not always accepted by young patients. Two surgical approaches exist: the radical approach, employing colorectal resection; and the conservative approach, based on rectal shaving or full-thickness disc excision. At present, the majority of patients with rectal endometriosis worldwide are managed by the radical approach. Conversely, as high as 66% of patients with colorectal endometriosis can be managed by either rectal shaving or full-thickness disc excision. Most arguments that used to support the large use of the radical approach may now be disputed. The presumed higher risk of recurrence related to conservative surgery can be balanced by a supposed higher risk of postoperative bowel dysfunction related to the radical approach. Bowel occult microscopic endometriosis renders debatable the hypothesis that more aggressive surgery can definitively cure endometriosis. Although most surgeons consider that radical surgery is unavoidable in patients with rectal nodules responsible for digestive stenosis, conservative surgery can be successfully performed in a majority of cases. In multifocal bowel endometriosis, multiple conservative procedures may be proposed, provided that the nodules are separated by segments of healthy bowel of longer than 5 cm. Attempting conservation of a maximum length of rectum may reduce the risk of postoperative anterior rectal resection syndrome and subsequent debilitating bowel dysfunction and impaired quality of life. Promotion of less aggressive surgery with an aim to better spare organ function has become a general tendency in both oncologic and benign pathologies; thus the management of deep colorectal endometriosis should logically be concerned, too., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We present the case of a patient in whom consecutive imaging assessment and surgery demonstrated the obvious progression of colorectal endometriosis under continuous medical therapy. A 26-year-old nullipara presented with secondary dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, diarrhea, and constipation during menstruation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment revealed 2 right ovarian endometriomas, but no deep endometriosis lesion. Intraoperatively, we found a 2-cm length of thickened and congestive area of sigmoid colon, along with small superficial lesions arising in the small bowel and appendix. We performed ablation of ovarian endometriomas and appendectomy, and decided to not resect the bowel. Postoperative computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) revealed a slight abnormality of the sigmoid colon. Endorectal ultrasound identified a normal rectum and sigmoid colon. Despite long-term continuous medical treatment, the patient presented 4 years later with impaired digestion consisting in constipation alternating with diarrhea, bloating, dyschesia, and pelvic pain. MRI and CTC revealed an abnormal sigmoid colon from 42 to 50 cm above the anus, with digestive tract diameter reduced from 10 mm down to the virtual lumen, along with an overall rigid appearance. Laparoscopy revealed the extent of endometriosis lesions in the sigmoid colon and multiple implantations in the small bowel. We performed sigmoid and small bowel resection. This case demonstrates the obvious progression of deep rectal endometriosis despite 4 years of continuous hormonal therapy., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To review our data for any correlation between the severity of endometriosis and lymph node involvement., Design: Observational study with control (Canadian Task Force classification III)., Setting: Public medical center., Patients: All women who underwent laparoscopic segmental rectal resection for endometriosis at our institution (Sacro Cuore Negrar Hospital) between 2000 and 2010., Interventions: We retrospectively included 140 cases of colorectal surgery for intestinal endometriosis performed between 2004 and 2010 in our institution. Based on histopathological analysis of specimens, we divided our population into 2 groups: 70 patients with lymph node involvement and 70 patients without lymph node involvement., Measurements and Main Results: No statistical correlation was found between the positivity of lymph nodes and the rate of intestinal stenosis, the histopathological specimen infiltration rate and depth and the intestinal recurrence rate. Only a poor correlation was found with preoperative CA-125 serous levels., Conclusion: The presence of lymph nodes involvement in intestinal resection specimens does not modify the natural history of the disease. The reason of its presence still has to be determined., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: Endometriosis can affect 10% of women at reproductive age. Of those, 5.3% to 12% will have endometriosis affecting the bowel. Although outcomes after surgery for severe endometriosis affecting the bowel have previously been studied and have shown improvement in generic quality of life indices and sexual function, few studies have evaluated bowel function or symptoms specific to endometriosis. Our aim was to determine the quality of life after radical excision of rectovagina endometriosis compromising the bowel., Design: Single-center prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2)., Setting: Specialist referral center for the management of advanced endometriosis., Patients: Women with severe rectovaginal endometriosis compromising the bowel., Interventions: Comparison of preoperative data with a 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up was made for consecutive patients who underwent surgery for endometriosis with bowel involvement. The main outcome measures were quality of life using the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 and EuroQol-5 dimension questionnaires. Bowel symptoms were measured using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and chronic pain were measured using a visual analogue scale. To compare preoperative and postoperative scores, a Freidman test was performed followed by a preoperative and 12-month postoperative Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the results between those who had pelvic clearance and those who did not., Measurements and Main Results: In total, 137 patients had surgery, of which 100 completed follow-up to 12 months. The serious perioperative and postoperative complication rate was 7.3%. The results show significant improvement in almost all variables measured (p < .01). At 12 months patients who had a pelvic clearance (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) had significantly less pain with better bowel function. Additionally, they had higher quality of life scores and greater satisfaction with their treatment. There was no significant difference between any postoperative variables tested regardless of the type of bowel surgery., Conclusion: Severe rectovaginal endometriosis compromising the bowel can be treated surgically with experienced combined gynecologic and colorectal input with a low serious complication rate. Surgery by an experienced multidisciplinary team results in significant improvement in pain, sexual function, and quality of life up to 1 year postoperatively. Pelvic clearance improves outcome and patients should be counseled accordingly. There is no difference in outcome between the types of bowel surgery undertaken as long as all visible/palpable endometriosis is removed., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic segmental bowel resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE)., Design: Retrospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3)., Setting: Endoscopica Malzoni-Center for Advanced Endoscopic Gynecological Surgery, Avellino, Italy., Patients: A retrospective cohort of 248 patients who underwent laparoscopic segmental bowel resection between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2014., Intervention: Laparoscopic segmental bowel resection for DIE., Measurements and Main Results: Bowel endometriosis was histologically confirmed in all 248 of the 248 patients (100%). The mean length of the resected specimens was 11.83 ± 4.56 cm. In all cases, margins were free of disease. The muscular layer was infiltrated up to the submucosal layer in all 248 patients (100%), whereas the mucosal layer showed signs of infiltration in only 4 patients (1.6%). Two nodules were found in 36 patients (14.5%), and 3 nodules were found in only 8 patients (3.2%). None of the resected bowel segments had nodules shorter than 3 cm, and the majority of lesions had a longitudinal diameter of 3 to 7 cm. In the majority of cases, resected segments involved the mid to low rectum (distance from the lower margin of resected segment from the anal verge of 4 to 12 cm), whereas in 6% of cases, ultra-low resections (≤4 cm) were performed. No intraoperative complications occurred, and conversion to laparotomy was not required for any patient. Major perioperative and early and late postoperative complications occurred in 20 patients (8.06%). Significantly reduced pain associated with disease was observed up to the 1-year follow-up irrespective of postoperative hormonal treatment. Pelvic relapse was found in up to 50% of patients, especially in patients without hormonal suppression, but only in the form of endometriomas or adherences, with no recurrent deep lesions observed., Conclusion: This large single-center series demonstrates that laparoscopic bowel resection for DIE is a feasible technique, with low complication rates. In symptomatic patients, treating deep fibrotic endometriosis nodules by laparoscopic segmental resection is very effective in reducing pain and restoring bowel function. This surgical approach is safe but complex, requiring specific skills in laparoscopic urologic and colorectal procedures, and should be performed only in specialized high-volume centers by high-volume surgeons., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Malignant degeneration of colon endometriosis is a very rare event. We report here on three cases. A 48-year-old woman with a 10-year history of endometriosis was treated for a rectal adenocarcinoma, a 61-year-old G1P1, who was operated at the age of 40 years for ovarian endometriosis and again at the age of 53 years for an endometriosis-associated endometroid ovarian carcinoma, presented for therapy for a lymph node recurrence of the ovarian cancer and, secondly, due to a malignantly degenerated rectum-sigmoid colon endometriosis; furthermore a 54-year old woman with a 21-year history of endometriosis was operated for malignant colon endometriosis. The tumour occurred during an adjuvant anti-oestrogen treatment with an aromatase inhibitor following surgical and radiotherapy for breast cancer. In all cases a radical cancer operation was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and in one case with an additional radiotherapy. In the follow-up periods of 18 months, 2 and 5 years, respectively, all women remained free of recurrences. Although this is not a randomised controlled study due to the rare occurrence of such cases, a radical operation followed by individualised adjuvant therapy appears to be the treatment of choice.

Objective: To discuss the role of computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) in preoperative assessment of bowel endometriosis., Methods: Retrospective study using data prospectively recorded, including 127 patients with colorectal endometriosis, having undergone CTC for bowel endometriosis. The study was conducted in a tertiary referral center during 38 consecutive months. Preoperative assessment included CTC, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and clinical examination. Information concerning identification of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the bowel, the length and height of colorectal involvement, stenosis of digestive lumen and associated digestive localizations were compared with intraoperative findings., Results: Sensitivity and specificity of CTC for DIE of the rectum, the sigmoid colon, associated digestive localizations, and stenosis of the digestive lumen were respectively 97% and 84%, 93% and 88%, 84% and 97%, 96% and 96%. Intraoperative estimation of the length of digestive tract involved by DIE was closer to that provided by CTC than those provided by MRI and ERUS. When CTC revealed stenosis of digestive lumen, higher rates of colorectal resection (63% vs. 9.6%, < 0.001) and disc excision (25.9% vs. 11%, 0.03) were recorded., Discussion: For those surgeons using various procedures for management of bowel endometriosis, accurate information on the length and height of bowel involvement, as well as the existence of bowel stenosis enables informed decision regarding the feasibility of conservative techniques versus bowel resection. Preoperative identification of associated localizations above the sigmoid colon is another major advantage related to CTC., Conclusions: CTC provides accurate data on the length and height of colorectal involvement by DIE, stenosis of digestive lumen and associated lesions of digestive tract, which impact on the choice of surgical procedure., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Study Objective: To describe a more conservative and less invasive surgical approach to laparoscopic colorectal segmental resection for treatment of endometriosis. Design: Video of elective sigmoidectomy to treat colorectal endometriosis. Setting: Tertiary referral center for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery at the University Hospitals of Strasbourg, France. Patient: A 29-year-old woman with dysmenorrhea, constipation, and cyclic diarrhea and two sigmoid endometriotic lesions evident at colonoscopy. Intervention: The conservative surgical strategy, possible in cases of benign lesions such as endometriosis, consists of dividing the mesentery close to the digestive tract to preserve the vascular-lymphatic vessels and the surrounding sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. The less invasive approach consists of natural orifice specimen extraction via the transanal route. Measurements and Main Results: The postoperative course was favorable. The conservative technique enables preservation of the superior rectal vessels, which contribute to 80% of the vascularization of the rectum, to maintain the best vascularization, essential for intestinal anastomosis. Transanal specimen extraction maximizes the benefits of laparoscopy by sparing the abdominal wall from incision and its associated complications. Conclusion: A conservative surgical approach should be used in segmental bowel resection for treatment of endometriosis. Moreover, the segmental bowel resection can be safely performed with transanal specimen extraction, with great advantages for the patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Study Objective: To show a new technique of laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis for transrectal bowel resection with transvaginal specimen extraction, a technique particularly suited for treatment of bowel endometriosis. Design: Step-by-step explanation of the technique using videos and pictures (educative video). Setting: Endometriosis may affect the bowel in 3% to 37% of all endometriosis cases. Bowel endometriosis affects young women, without any co-morbidities and in particular without any vascular disorders. In addition, affected patients often express a desire for childbearing. Radical excision is sometimes required because of the impossibility of conservative treatment such as shaving, mucosal skinning, or discoid resection. Bowel endometriosis should not be considered a cancer, and consequently maximal resection is not the objective. Rather, the goal would be to achieve functional benefit. As a result, resection must be as economic and cosmetic as possible. The laparoscopic approach has proved its superiority over the open technique, although mini-laparotomy is generally performed to prepare for the anastomosis. Interventions: Total laparoscopic approach in patients with partial bowel stenosis, using the vagina for specimen extraction. Conclusion: This technique of intracorporeal anastomosis with transvaginal specimen extraction enables a smaller resection and avoidance of abdominal incision enlargement that may cause hernia, infection, or pain. When stenosis is partial, this technique seems particularly suited for treatment of bowel endometriosis requiring resection. If stenosis is complete, the anvil can be inserted above the lesion transvaginally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim Endometriosis is relatively common condition in fertile women and may affect the alimentary tract. Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis has been found to be both feasible and safe. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of life and sexual function of patients who have undergone rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis. Method All patients undergoing rectal or sigmoid resection for endometriosis in two specialist hospitals were prospectively recruited in the study. Details regarding demography, endometriosis-related symptoms, procedure and postoperative recovery were collected. One year after the operation patients were sent a postal questionnaire asking about endometriosis-related symptoms, quality of life and sexual functioning. The 15D Questionnaire and McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire were used for this purpose. Results A total of 26 patients responded to the 15D questionnaire. Endometriosis-related bowel symptoms decreased significantly after the operation. The responses showed improvements in the overall score and scores for five different dimensions (usual activities, P = 0.04; discomfort and symptoms, P < 0.001; distress, P < 0.001; vitality, P < 0.001; sexual activity, P < 0.001). Sexual satisfaction was greater 1 year after the operation ( P = 0.01). Sexual problems and partner satisfaction scores had not changed significantly. Conclusion Laparoscopic rectal and sigmoid resection for endometriosis significantly reduce endometriosis-related symptoms and improve quality of life and sexual well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To verify the hypothesis that in most patients bowel segmental resection to treat endometriosis can be safely performed without creation of a stoma and to discuss the limitations of this statement., Design: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification III)., Setting: Tertiary referral center., Patients: Forty-one women with sigmoid and rectal endometriotic lesions who underwent segmental resection., Intervention: Segmental resection procedures performed between 2004 and 2011. Patient demographic, operative, and postoperative data were compared., Measurements and Main Results: Sigmoid resection was performed in 6 patients (15%), and rectal anterior resection in 35 patients (high in 21 patients [51%], and low, i.e., <10 cm from the anal verge, in 14 [34%]). In 4 patients a temporary ileostomy was created. There was 1 anastomotic leak (2.4%), in a patient with an unprotected anastomosis, which was treated via laparoscopic surgery and creation of a temporary ileostomy. Other postoperative complications included hemoperitoneum, pelvic abscess, pelvic collection, and a ureteral vaginal fistula, in 1 patient each (all 2.4%)., Conclusion: A protective stoma may be averted in low anastomosis if it is >5 cm from the anal verge and there are no adverse intraoperative events., (Copyright © 2015 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimally invasive surgery represents the gold standard for the management of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of robotic surgery for the management of DIE., Methods: A 5-year retrospective cohort study was made of robotic procedures including: segmental bowel resections, removal of nodules from the rectovaginal septum (RVS) with or without rectal shaving and partial bladder resection., Results: Overall, 19 bowel resections, 23 removals of RVS nodules and five bladder resections were performed, alone or in combination. Associated posterior vaginal resections were performed in 12 cases. Neither intra-operative complications, nor conversion to laparotomy occurred. One anastomotic leakage was recorded., Conclusion: This series of robotic procedures for DIE represents the largest currently available and it helps to promote robotics as a safe and attractive alternative to accomplish a comprehensive surgical treatment of DIE, especially when bowel or bladder resections are needed., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)