Nonvisualized palpable bowel endometriotic satellites

Gastrointestinal Myoelectrical Activity (GIMA) Biomarker for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Background/Objectives: Endometriosis represents substantial direct and indirect healthcare costs impacted by an absence of uniformly accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tools. We endeavored to demonstrate gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity (GIMA) biomarkers, unique to endometriosis, will allow non-invasive, uniformly accurate diagnosis or exclusion of endometriosis. Methods: Prospective open-label comparative study of 154 patients, age ≥ 18, with or without diagnosed endometriosis. Population included 62 non-endometriosis controls (Cohort 1), 43 subjects with surgically/histologically confirmed endometriosis (Cohort 2), and 49 subjects with abdominal pain and negative imaging (Cohort 3). Non-invasive electroviscerography (EVG) recorded GIMA biomarkers from three abdominal electrodes before and 30 min post water load protocol. Cohort 2 had postoperative EVG and Cohort 3 had preoperative EVG. Calculated specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and predictive probability or C-statistic used univariate, multivariate, linear, and logistical regression analyses of the area under the curve (AUC) at all frequency and time points, including age and pain covariants. Results: The non-endometriosis cohort differed significantly from the endometriosis cohorts (p < 0.001) for median (IQR) and AUC percent frequency distribution of power at baseline, 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min post water load at all frequency ranges: 15-20 cpm, 30-40 cpm, and 40-50 cpm. The endometriosis cohorts were statistically similar (p > 0.05). GIMA biomarker threshold scoring demonstrated 95%/91% sensitivity and PPV, 96%/95% specificity and NPV, and a C-statistic of >99%/98%, respectively, for age subsets. GIMA biomarkers in Cohort 3 predicted 47/49 subjects positive and 2/49 negative for endometriosis, confirmed surgically. Hormonal therapy, surgical stage, nor pain score affected diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: EVG with GIMA biomarker detection distinguished participants with and without endometriosis based upon endometriosis-specific GIMA biomarkers threshold scoring.

Segmental Rectum Resection for Deep Endometriosis and Excision Similarly Improve Sexual Function and Pain

Segmental rectum resections for indications other than endometriosis were reported to result in up to 40% sexual dysfunctions. We, therefore, evaluated sexual function after low bowel resection (n = 33) for deep endometriosis in comparison with conservative excision (n = 23). Sexual function was evaluated with the FSFI-19 (Female Sexuality Functioning Index) and EHP 30 (Endometriosis Health Profile). The pain was evaluated with visual analogue scales. Linear excision and bowel resections improved FSFI, EHP 30, and postoperative pain comparably. By univariate analysis, a decreased sexual function was strongly associated with pain both before (p < 0.0001) and after surgery (p = 0.0012), age (p = 0.05), and duration of surgery (p = 0.023). By multivariate analysis (proc logistic), the FSFI after surgery was predicted only by FSFI before or EHP after surgery. No differences were found between low bowel segmental resection and a more conservative excision. In conclusion, improving pain after surgery can explain the improvement in sexual function. A deleterious effect of a bowel resection on sexual function was not observed for endometriosis. Sexual function in women with endometriosis can be evaluated using a simplified questionnaire such as FSFI-6.

Disk Excision Using End-to-End Anastomosis Circular Stapler for Deep Endometriosis of the Rectum: A 492-Patient Continuous Prospective Series

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To report a large series including women managed by disk excision using end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) circular transanal stapler to assess the feasibility of the technique, the features of nodules suitable for removal by disk excision, and the rate of major early complications.

DESIGN

Retrospective study on data prospectively recorded in 2 databases.

SETTING

Two tertiary referral centers.

PATIENTS

A total of 492 patients undergoing surgery for rectal endometriosis from May 2011 to June 2022.

INTERVENTIONS

Rectal disk excision using the EEA stapler.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Disk excision using EEA was performed in 492 patients (24.2%) of 2,029 women receiving surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum during the 11-year study period. Deep endometriosis involved low rectum in 11% and mid rectum in 55.3%. The diameter of rectal nodules exceeded 3 cm in 65.9%. Mean operative time was 2 hours, mean diameter of rectal patches removed was 41 ± 11 mm, and the mean rectal suture height was 9.2 ± 5.5 cm. The presence of microscopic foci on the edges of rectal patches was identified in 30.2% of cases. Rectal fistula was recorded in 20 patients (4%). The distance from the anal verge was significantly lower in patients with fistula than women with no fistula (5.9 ± 2 cm vs 9.2 ± 5.6 cm, p = .027). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 120 months, with a median value of 36 months. Magnetic resonance imaging in 3 patients during follow-up revealed a recurrent nodule infiltrating the previous stapled line (0.6%) after a postoperative delay of, respectively, 36, 48, and 84 months.

CONCLUSION

Disk excision using the EEA stapler is suitable in nodules >3 cm if surgeons ensure deep shaving of the rectum, to allow complete inclusion of the shaved area into the stapler jaws. Postoperative rectal recurrences seem incidental, whereas bowel leakage rate is comparable with that after colorectal resection. This technique is suitable in almost a quarter of patients managed for rectal endometriosis nodules and is therefore a valuable technique that warrants more widespread use.

Bowel Endometriosis Management by Colorectal Resection: Laparoscopic Surgical Technique & Outcome

Background and Objectives

Bowel deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) management by colorectal resection is a complex procedure. The purpose of the present study is to delineate a meticulous approach to the assessment of the patient, step-wise surgical technique, pre, and postoperative care, and its short-term and long-term outcomes.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study done on patients of bowel DIE managed by colorectal resection between January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the symptomatology of patients post-surgery. Our surgical technique is feasible with acceptable short-term and long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Bowel DIE management can be proficiently executed with a proper diagnostic approach, appropriate surgical expertise with exhaustive pelvic anatomy knowledge especially concerning autonomic nerve plexus.

Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) colorectal resection for deep endometriosis: A 50 case series: NOSE resection for DIE: 50 cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with the use of Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) technique for segmental bowel resection in patients with colorectal endometriosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

Single tertiary referral centre PATIENTS: 50 consecutive patients undergoing NOSE colectomy for colorectal endometriosis in our centre, between March 2021 and November 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

NOSE colectomy for colorectal endometriosis with removal of the excised colorectal specimen through the vagina or the anus.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

45 procedures were performed laparoscopically and 5 procedures were carried out robotically. All interventions were carried out by 3 endometriosis surgeons in a multi-disciplinary fashion, with involvement of a colorectal surgeon. There were no cases of conversion to laparotomy. Concomitant surgical procedures were performed in all cases. 11 patients had concomitant interventions on the digestive tract. 5 patients had concomitant interventions on the sacral plexus or sciatic nerve. All anastomoses were latero-terminal. The mean height of colorectal anastomosis was 12 centimetres (SD= +/- 4), and the mean length of the excised colorectal specimen was 9 centimetres (SD= +/- 4). In 29 cases, the specimen was extracted through the vagina and in 21 cases through the anus. 5 patients required a re-operation in the early post-operative period: We identified 1 case of anastomotic leak, 1 case of post-operative bowel obstruction, 1 case of haemorrhage and 2 cases of pelvic collection (no macroscopic evidence of pus). No patient received blood transfusion. The mean operative time was 158 minutes (SD=+/- 70) and mean hospital stay was 4 days (SD=+/- 1).

CONCLUSION

NOSE colectomy is a reproducible surgical technique for the management of colorectal endometriosis. The complication rate appears comparable with the conventional (mini-laparotomy) surgical approach. In experienced hands, this technique has a short learning curve, both in laparoscopy as well as in robotic surgery.