The presence of bowel infiltration by endometriosis seems to negatively influence the reproductive outcome in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. The complete removal of endometriosis with bowel segmental resection seems to offer better results in terms of post-operative fertility.
Bowel resection for endometriosis improves pain symptoms and quality of life in symptomatic women. However, little is known about fertility after surgery, particularly after such treatment in women suffering from infertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate post-operative fertility and long-term clinical outcome after laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis in infertile women. This study reports clinical outcomes in 62 infertile women who underwent laparoscopic excision of endometriosis with segmental bowel resection performed for severe intestinal symptoms. Among women younger than 30 years trying to conceive spontaneously, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 58% and the cumulative pregnancy rate was 45% in those aged 30-34 years. The total pain recurrence was 9.7% (six cases) and endometriosis recurrence was diagnosed by ultrasound in 14.5% (nine cases) during the follow-up period. Four of these patients needed further surgery because of severe symptoms. The surgical treatment of bowel endometriosis seems to improve pain symptoms and patients' satisfaction rates, and it could also be indicated in infertile women.
A detailed picture of the prevalence and distribution of abdomino-pelvic endometriosis in more that 1,500 cases of endometriosis stage IV is presented. A great prevalence of endometriotic localizations in the posterior pelvic compartment compared to the other quadrants with more frequently observed lesions on the left part of the pelvis supports the menstrual reflux theory. The extent of anatomical sites suggests the opportunity to plan a proper preoperative instrumental study for patients with clinical suspect of severe endometriosis possibly to set a multidisciplinary clinical or surgical management.
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