How complete is full thickness disc resection of bowel endometriotic lesions? A prospective surgical and histological study

Treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis by laparoscopic reverse submucosal dissection (LRSD): The Sydney partial thickness discoid excision technique

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic reverse submucosal dissection (LRSD) is a standardised surgical technique for removal of rectosigmoid endometriosis which optimises the anatomical dissection plane for excision of endometriotic nodules.

AIM

This cohort study assesses the outcomes of the first cohort of women treated by LRSD, for deeply infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary outcomes assessed were complication rate as defined by the Clavien-Dindo system, and completion of the planned LRSD. Secondary outcomes include mucosal breach, specimen margin involvement, length of hospital admission, and a comparison of pre-operative and post-operative pain, bowel function and quality of life surveys. These included the Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire (EHP-30), the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom Questionnaire (KESS) and the Wexner scale.

RESULTS

Of 19 patients treated, one required a segmental resection. The median length of hospital admission was two days (range 1-5) and no post-operative complications occurred. Median pain visual analogue scales (scale 0-10) were higher prior to surgery (dysmenorrhoea 9.0, dyspareunia 7.5, dyschezia 9.0, pelvic pain 6.0) compared to post-surgical median scores (dysmenorrhoea 5.0, dyspareunia 4.0, dyschezia 2.0, pelvic pain 4.0) at a median of six months (range 4-32). Quality of life studies suggested improvement following surgery with pre-operative median EHP-30 and KESS scores (EHP-30: 85 (5-106), KESS score 9 (0-20)) higher than post-operative scores (EHP-30: 48.5 (0-80), KESS score: 3 (0-19)).

CONCLUSION

This series highlights the feasibility of LRSD with low associated morbidity as a progression of partial thickness discoid excision (rectal shaving) for the treatment of rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis.

The implications of the anatomy of the nerves and vessels in the treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. It can be defined as endometrioma, superficial peritoneal endometriosis or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) depending on the location and the depth of infiltration of the organs. In 5%-12% of cases, DIE affects the digestive tract, frequently involving the distal part of the sigmoid colon and rectum. Surgery is generally recommended in cases of obstructive symptoms and in cases with pain that is non-responsive to medical treatment. Selection of the most optimal surgical technique for the treatment of bowel endometriosis must consider different variables, including the number of lesions, eventual multifocal lesions, as well as length, width and grade of infiltration into the bowel wall. Except for some major and widely accepted indications regarding bowel resection, established international guidelines are not clear on when to employ a more conservative approach like rectal shaving or discoid resection, and when, instead, to opt for bowel resection. Damage to the pelvic autonomic nervous system may be avoided by detection of the middle rectal artery, where its relationship with female pelvic nerve fibers allows its use as an anatomical landmark. To reduce the risk of potential vascular and nervous complications related to bowel resection, a less invasive approach such as shaving or discoid resection can be considered as potential treatment options. Additionally, the middle rectal artery can be used as a reference point in cases of upper bowel resection, where a trans mesorectal technique should be preferred to prevent devascularization and denervation of the bowel segments not affected by the disease.

A Case of Rectal Endometriosis Misdiagnosed as Rectal Malignancy on Three Colonoscopies and Biopsies Sharing a Combined Literature Review

Background

Endometriosis involves the intestine, and its clinical manifestations are nonspecific and lack of etiological manifestations. The diagnosis is difficult, which often leads to misdiagnosis. We report a case of endometriosis which was misdiagnosed as intestinal malignant tumor after colonoscopy and three biopsies.

Case Presentation

We reported a 42-year-old woman who went to see a doctor because of anal distension. She was examined by three gastrointestinal endoscopists at different levels in different hospitals and underwent biopsy at the same time. Combined with clinical manifestations, imaging examination, endoscopic examination and pathological examination, she was misdiagnosed as intestinal malignant tumor, and partial intestinal resection was performed according to the surgical principle of malignant tumor.

Conclusion

Although there are advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy and imaging techniques, intestinal endometriosis is still easy to be misdiagnosed. As our case report shows, after three colonoscopy and biopsy, it is still misdiagnosed as intestinal malignant tumor. Further research is needed to improve the ability of preoperative diagnosis, which deserves the attention of gastroenterologists and obstetricians and gynecologists.

Factors Affecting the Postoperative Bowel Function and Recurrence of Surgery for Intestinal Deep Endometriosis

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with complications and long-term results in the surgical treatment of intestinal deep endometriosis and to figure out the optimized treatment measures for bowel endometriosis.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in a single center in China. Medical charts were reviewed from 61 women undergoing surgical treatment for bowel endometriosis between January 2013 and August 2019 in the Department of General Gynecology, Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized to investigate the impact of the stages of endometriosis and surgical steps (independent risk factors) on complications (and postoperative bowel dysfunction). The clinical characters, surgical procedures, postoperative treatment, complications, and recurrence rate were summarized and analyzed by using Lasso regression.

Results

Surgery type was the most important independent risk factor related to postoperative abnormal defecation in intestinal deep endometriosis patients (P < 0.05, OR = 34.133). Infection is the most important independent risk factor related to both postoperative complications (OR = 96.931) and recurrences after conservative surgery (OR = 4.667). Surgery type and age were significantly related to recurrences after conservative surgery.

Conclusions

We recommended conservative operation especially full-thickness disc excision to improve the quality of life of intestinal deep endometriosis patients. In addition, prevention of infection is very important to reduce the postoperative complications rate and the recurrence rate.

Conservative Management of Rectovaginal Deep Endometriosis: Shaving Should Be Considered as the Primary Surgical Approach in a High Majority of Cases

Deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum remains a challenging situation to manage, and it is even more important when ureters and pelvic nerves are also infiltrated. Removal of deep rectovaginal endometriosis is mandatory in case of symptoms strongly impairing quality of life, alteration of digestive, urinary, sexual and reproductive functions, or in case of growing. Extensive preoperative imaging is required to choose the right technique between laparoscopic shaving, disc excision, or rectal resection. When performed by skilled surgeons and well-trained teams, a very high majority of cases of deep endometriosis nodule (>95%) is feasible by the shaving technique, and this is associated with lower complication rates regarding rectal resection. In most cases, removing a part of the rectum is questionable according to the risk of complications, and the rectum should be preserved as far as possible. Shaving and rectal resection are comparable in terms of recurrence rates. As shaving is manageable whatever the size of the lesions, surgeons should consider rectal shaving as first-line surgery to remove rectal deep endometriosis. Rectal stenosis of more than 80% of the lumen, multiple bowel deep endometriosis nodules, and stenotic sigmoid colon lesions should be considered as indication for rectal resection, but this represents a minority of cases.

Evaluation of functional outcomes after disc excision of deep endometriosis involving low and mid rectum using standardized questionnaires: a series of 80 patients

AIM

The aim was to assess the functional outcome and quality of life in patients with low and mid rectal endometriosis who have undergone disc excision using a semicircular transanal staple device, a procedure we have named the Rouen technique.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing the Rouen technique between October 2009 and November 2018. Preoperative and postoperative demographic and operative data were recorded prospectively (mean ± SEM). Postoperative complications were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Rectal function and quality of life were assessed by the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and Bowel Endometriosis Syndrome (BENS) scores respectively at ≥6 months.

RESULTS

The Rouen procedure was performed on 80 patients (29.7 ± 4.3). The mean diameter of resected specimens was 57 ± 10 mm, and the height of the rectal suture from the anal verge was 4.6 ± 1.2 cm. The Clavien-Dindo complications were Clavien-Dindo 1 (leg compression), Clavien-Dindo 2 (urinary tract infection, bladder self-catheterization) and Clavien-Dindo 3b (bowel obstruction, rectovaginal fistula, pyelic dilation, colorectal stenosis after resection). A rectovaginal fistula (Clavien-Dindo 3b) developed in nine (11.3%) patients and their stoma could be reversed after 99-162 days. The majority of patients (n = 50, 62.5%) had normal postoperative rectal function with LARS score ≤20. However, minor (LARS ≥ 21-29) and major rectal dysfunction (LARS ≥ 30) was seen in 18 (22.5%) and 12 (15%) patients respectively. Quality of life as measured using the BENS score was normal (BENS score 0-8) in 51 (63.8%) patients, slightly reduced (BENS score 9-16) in 24 (30%) patients and in only five (6.3%) was this a major issue (BENS score > 17). The development of a rectovaginal fistula was independently related to risk of major rectal dysfunction (adjusted OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.3-30.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of 80 patients with transmural low and mid rectal endometriosis disc excision using a semicircular staple device can result in good functional outcomes and quality of life and avoid the complexity and potential complications of a low anterior resection.

Bowel resection for intestinal endometriosis

Over the last twenty years, segmental resection (SR) has been the technique most frequently used to treat bowel endometriosis. Nowadays, it is most commonly performed by laparoscopy; however, there is evidence that it can be safely performed by robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Rectovaginal fistula and anastomotic leakage are the two major complications of SR; other complications include pelvic abscess, postoperative bleeding, ureteral damage, and anastomotic stricture. Several studies showed that SR causes improvement in pain and intestinal symptoms; nerve-sparing SR may improve the functional outcomes. The rates of postoperative recurrence of bowel endometriosis vary across the studies, possibly because of the different definitions of recurrence.

Deep endometriosis: The place of laparoscopic shaving

Deep endometriosis (DE) is considered to be one of the most challenging conditions to manage, especially when it invades surrounding organs like the rectum. Surgical excision of deep rectovaginal endometriosis is required when lesions are symptomatic, impairing bowel, urinary, sexual, and reproductive functions, or if they evolve. Preoperative radiological examination should be extensive to determine the appropriate surgery: laparoscopic shaving, disc excision, or rectal resection. We demonstrated that in the hands of experienced surgeons, rectal shaving is possible for DE in more than 95% of cases, with low complication rates compared to rectal resection. Shaving and bowel resection are associated with comparable recurrence rates. As shaving is indicated whatever the size of deep lesions, surgeons should first consider rectal shaving to remove DE. Bowel resection should only be performed in case of major rectal stenosis (>80%), multiple and/or posterior rectal lesions and stenotic sigmoid colon lesions.

Bowel Endometriosis: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis and Treatment

Endometriosis is a chronic condition primarily affecting young women of reproductive age. Although some women with bowel endometriosis may be asymptomatic patients typically report a myriad of symptoms such as alteration in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhoea) dyschezia, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia in addition to infertility. To date, there are no clear guidelines on the evaluation of patients with suspected bowel endometriosis. Several techniques have been proposed including transvaginal and/or transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and double-contrast barium enema. These different imaging modalities provide greater information regarding presence, location and extent of endometriosis ensuring patients are adequately informed whilst also optimizing preoperative planning. In cases where surgical management is indicated, surgery should be performed by experienced surgeons, in centres with access to multidisciplinary care. Treatment should be tailored according to patient symptoms and wishes with a view to excising as much disease as possible, whilst at the same time preserving organ function. In this review article current perspectives on diagnosis and management of bowel endometriosis are discussed.

Recurrent endometriosis: a battle against an unknown enemy

Recurrence of endometriosis after conservative surgery is not an uncommon finding. There is no uniformity, however, on what the term 'recurrence' means. Recurrence is variously defined in the literature as the relapse of pain, clinical or instrumental detection of an endometriotic lesion, repeat rise in CA 125 levels, or evidence of recurrence found during repeat surgery. Consequently, the reported recurrence rate varies widely (0-89%) in the different series, depending on its definition and the type of study performed. As endometriosis recurrence seems to be an indeterminate enemy, we set out to examine exactly what we were fighting in our everyday battle. In this narrative review, we aimed to seek an answer to questions related to endometriosis recurrence, some of which are often asked by our patients.

Choosing the right technique for deep endometriosis

The surgical management of bowel endometriosis is a real challenge. In addition to the fact that only symptomatic patients should undergo surgery, no consensus has been approved in the literature. Among the surgical techniques, the surgeon has to choose between rectal shaving, disc excision, or segmental colorectal resection. All those procedures are associated with complications, but the risk of rectovaginal fistula is higher if a disc excision or segmental colorectal resection is performed. It is therefore of utmost importance to evaluate preoperatively the bowel infiltration by several imaging techniques to estimate the feasibility of a deep rectal shaving with possible incomplete removal of the endometriotic lesions or to discuss with the patient about the indication of a segmental bowel resection. Because of the risk of major preoperative and postoperative complications, proper patient counseling is mandatory.

Functional Outcomes After Rectal Resection for Deep Infiltrating Pelvic Endometriosis: Long-term Results

BACKGROUND

Curative management of deep infiltrating endometriosis requires complete removal of all endometriotic implants. Surgical approach to rectal involvement has become a topic of debate given potential postoperative bowel dysfunction and complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess long-term postoperative evacuation and incontinence outcomes after laparoscopic segmental rectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the rectal wall.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data.

SETTINGS

This single-center study was conducted at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland.

PATIENTS

Patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the rectum undergoing rectal resection from June 2002 to May 2011 with at least 24 months follow-up were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Aside from endometriosis-related symptoms, detailed symptoms on evacuation (points: 0 (best) to 21 (worst)) and incontinence (0-24) were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire before and at least 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 66 women who underwent rectal resection, 51 were available for analyses with a median follow-up period of 86 months (range: 26-168). Forty-eight patients (94%) underwent laparoscopic resection (4% converted, 2% primary open), with end-to-end anastomosis in 41 patients (82%). Two patients (4%) had an anastomotic insufficiency; 1 case was complicated by rectovaginal fistula. Dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pain, and dyspareunia substantially improved (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Overall evacuation score increased from a median of 0 (range: 0-11) to 2 points (0-15), p = 0.002. Overall incontinence also increased from 0 (range: 0-9) to 2 points (0-9), p = 0.003.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective nature and moderate number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic segmental rectal resection for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis including the rectal wall is associated with good results in endometriotic-related symptoms, although patients should be informed about possible postoperative impairments in evacuation and incontinence. However, its clinical impact does not outweigh the benefit that can be achieved through this approach. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A547.

Bowel endometriosis: diagnosis and management

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.

Laparoscopic surgery with urinary tract reconstruction and bowel endometriosis resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is the most severe form of endometriosis. It causes chronic pelvic pain, severe dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria, markedly impairing the quality of life of women of reproductive age. A number of randomized controlled trials on surgical and medical treatments to reduce the pain associated with endometriosis have been reported, but few have focused on this in DIE. DIE causes not only pain but also functional invasion to the urinary organs and bowel, such as hydronephrosis and bowel stenosis. In addition to DIE resection, surgical treatment involves adhesion separation as well as resection and reconstruction of the urinary organs and bowel; high-level skills are required. The severity of DIE should be evaluated preoperatively as accurately as possible. Using ENZIAN in conjunction with the AFS (The revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis) classification makes a more detailed assessment of DIE possible. The operative procedures used for laparoscopic resection of urinary DIE and reconstruction of the urinary organs are chosen based on the type of lesion (intrinsic/extrinsic) and length of stenosis. In addition to ureteroneocystostomy, the psoas bladder hitch and Boari bladder flap procedures are applied when necessary to extend the urinary tract. Bowel resection for bowel endometriosis is classified into classic segmental resection and conservative approaches (shaving/discoid). When these procedures are employed, it is advisable to work in consultation with urologists and gastroenterologists and to inform the patients of the associated risks and outcomes. Furthermore, postoperative medication is essential because it is difficult to conduct repeated surgeries.

Diagnosis of Bowel Endometriosis: A Review

Since the presence of intestinal endometriosis cannot be reliably established by physical examination or the evaluation of intestinal symptoms, imaging techniques are required for the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis. This review evaluates the techniques available for the diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis based on a search of the Medline database and Embase up to February 2010. Several studies have proved that radiological techniques (double contrast barium enema, magnetic resonance imaging, and multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis) are able to accurately diagnose intestinal endometriosis. Magnetic resonance imaging has the advantage of determining the presence of deep endometriotic lesions in other pelvic locations. Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography can precisely determine the presence of bowel endometriosis but its use is limited by the availability of the equipment required to carry out the exam. Over the last five years, several studies have proved that transvaginal ultrasonography is accurate in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis; in addition, this exam is well tolerated by patients and is inexpensive. Therefore, transvaginal ultrasonography should be the first-line investigation in patients with suspected intestinal endometriosis.

Techniques in minimally invasive surgery for advanced endometriosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Surgery can be an important treatment option for women with symptomatic endometriosis. This review summarizes the recommended preoperative work up and techniques in minimally invasive surgery for treatment of deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) involving the obliterated posterior cul-de-sac, bowel, urinary tract, and extrapelvic locations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical management of DIE can pose a challenge to the gynecologic surgeon given that an extensive dissection is usually necessary. Given the high risk of recurrence, it is vital that an adequate excision is performed. With improved imaging modalities, preoperative counseling and surgical planning can be optimized. It is essential to execute meticulous surgical technique and include a multidisciplinary surgical team when indicated for optimal results.

SUMMARY

Advanced laparoscopic skills are often necessary to completely excise DIE. A thorough preoperative work up is essential to provide correct patient counseling and incorporation of the preferred surgical team to decrease complications and optimize surgical outcomes. Surgical management of endometriosis is aimed at ameliorating symptoms and preventing recurrence.

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.

Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis

Endometriosis is commonly misdiagnosed, even among many experienced gynecologists. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis is particularly difficult to diagnose, and is commonly mistaken for other pathologies, such as irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and even psychological disturbances. This leads to delays in diagnosis, mismanagement, and unnecessary testing. In this review, we will discuss the diagnosis and management of genitourinary and gastrointestinal endometriosis. Medical management may be tried first, but often fails in cases of urinary tract endometriosis. This is particularly important in cases of ureteral endometriosis because silent obstruction can lead to eventual kidney failure. Thus, we recommend complete surgical treatment in these cases. Bladder endometriosis may be managed more conservatively, and only if symptomatic, because these rarely lead to significant morbidity. In cases of bowel endometriosis, we recommend medical management first in all cases, and the least invasive surgical management only if medical treatment fails. This is due to the extensive nervous and vasculature supply to the lower rectum. Injury to these nerves and vessels can cause significant complications and postoperative morbidity.

Choosing the right surgical technique for deep endometriosis: shaving, disc excision, or bowel resection?

Deep endometriosis (DE) remains the most difficult endometriotic entity to treat. Medical treatment for DE can reduce symptoms but does not cure the disease, and surgical removal of the lesion is required when lesions are symptomatic, impairing bowel, urinary, sexual, and reproductive functions. Although several surgical techniques such as laparoscopic bowel resection, disc excision, and rectal shaving have been described, there is no consensus regarding the choice of technique or the timing of surgery. Our review of publications reporting results and complications of surgery for rectovaginal DE reveals a relatively higher complication rate after bowel resection compared with shaving and disc excision, especially for rectovaginal fistulas, anastomotic leakage, delayed hemorrhage, and long-term bladder catheterization. Data show that shaving is feasible even in advanced disease. The risk of immediate complications after shaving and disc excision is probably lower than after colorectal resection, allowing for better functional outcomes. The presumed higher risk of recurrence related to shaving has not been demonstrated. For these reasons, surgeons should consider rectal shaving as a first-line surgical treatment of rectovaginal DE, regardless of nodule size or association with other digestive localizations. When the result of rectal shaving is unsatisfactory (rare cases), disc excision may be performed either exclusively by laparoscopy or by using transanal staplers. Segmental resection may ultimately be reserved for advanced lesions responsible for major stenosis or for several cases of multiple nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid junction or sigmoid colon.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic endometriosis surgery: a 6 year experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to review 6 year experience on the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic endometriosis surgery.

METHODS

A cohort study was performed in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences using data from medical records of 1315 cases of patients with endometriosis undergoing laparoscopic surgery with follow-up of 6 to 72 months.

RESULTS

This study concerned a cohort of 1315 patients diagnosed with endometriosis operated between April 2010 and April 2016, 1086 (82.5%) of whom were in stage III and IV; 968 (73.61%) had endometrioma (regardless of having deep infiltrative endometriosis [DIE] or peritoneal involvement) and 347 (26.39%) of patients had either DIE or peritoneal involvement without endometrioma. Regarding the patients, unilateral endometrioma was statistically significant in the left ovary (p = .002). One hundred and thirty-three (10.7%) rectal wall, 7 (0.32%) sigmoid colon, 4 (0.18%) vagina, 125 (5.6%) ureter and 33 (1.52) bladder involvements were detected. Prior to operation, the pain VAS score was 8.23 ± 2.03, which decreased to 4.46 ± 2.47 in 93.07% of patients. Fifty-three patients (6.56%) needed reoperation. Sixty-six (33.1%) infertile women had spontaneous pregnancy and 15 (25%) became pregnant using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or assisted reproductive technique (ART) post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of endometriosis seems to be an effective treatment. DIE can be present in the absence of endometrioma. The rate of left endometrioma is higher due to the pressure effect of the sigmoid colon. Nonetheless, if an expert surgeon performs this procedure, not only the rate of post-operative complications, but also the possibility of recurrence would decrease.

Management of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum: Is a systematic temporary stoma relevant?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of performing a protective stoma in patients operated for rectal endometriosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From June 2009 to December 2011, 47 patients were operated for rectal endometriosis by segmental or discoid resection in 4 different centers. Two groups were formed: one with protective stoma (group S), n=33 and one without protective stoma (group NS), n=14. Data were collected from the CIRENDO database.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Postoperative complication rate of group NS was 57% against 48% in group S (P=0.75). There was an increasing trend of the rate of anastomotic leakage in group S as compared to group NS: 21% against 3% (P=0.073). All 3 patients of group NS with an anastomotic leakage were reoperated and the group S patient had medical treatment. In a center, digestive operative time was not necessarily performed in association with a gastrointestinal surgeon. All patients in group S had a restoration of continuity in about 3 months. Two of them had dilation of anastomotic stricture and 3 others showed a transient postoperative ileus during this recovery. Quality of life was assessed by the MOS SF-36 and significantly improved in both groups thanks to the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Temporary digestive stoma in patients operated for rectal endometriosis has to be considered because in our study, it seems reducing complications such as anastomotic leakage. This must be confirmed with studies with larger numbers.

Patterns of Bowel Invisible Microscopic Endometriosis Reveal the Goal of Surgery: Removal of Visual Lesions Only

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To document the presence of bowel invisible microscopic endometriosis implants and their relationship with deep endometriosis macronodule infiltrating the bowel.

DESIGN

A series of consecutive patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum and/or sigmoid colon (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTINGS

A university referral center.

PATIENTS

Ten patients managed by colorectal resection.

INTERVENTIONS

A microscopic study of endometriotic foci of the bowel involving 3272 microsection slides was established using a unique method of step serial sections using combined transverse and longitudinal macrosection. Two-dimensional reconstruction based on slide scanning highlighted the presence and localization of the deep endometriosis macronodule in contrast with bowel invisible microscopic endometriosis microimplants.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The distance separating the microimplants and the nodule and their histologic characteristics. The mean length of the colorectal specimens was 91 ± 19 mm. The maximum distance between the farthest microimplants was 7.2 cm. The maximum distance from the macroscopic nodule limit to the farthest microimplant was 31 mm. Bowel invisible microscopic endometriosis microimplants presented with similar features independently of the type of spread. They had an active appearance including stroma and glands, were sometimes decidualized, and were free of fibrosis. They were found on the distal/rectal limit of the specimen in 3 patients and on both limits (distal/rectal and proximal/sigmoid colon) in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

Invisible microscopic endometriosis implants surround the bowel macroscopic endometriosis nodule at variable distances, suggesting that complete surgical microscopic removal may be a challenging goal. These results may help to reconsider the principles and feasibility of the surgical management of bowel endometriosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared with Rectal Endoscopic Sonography for the Prediction of Infiltration Depth in Colorectal Endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracies of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) in the prediction of the infiltration depth of colorectal endometriosis.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

A university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty patients with symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the rectum who underwent colorectal resection were included.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent abdominopelvic MRI and RES preoperatively to assess the infiltration depth of colorectal endometriosis, and segmental resection of the rectosigmoid by laparoscopy was performed if RES showed bowel invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs), and intermethod agreement were calculated for DIE muscularis and submucosal/mucosal infiltration confirmed by histopathological analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

For MRI detection of DIE muscularis infiltration, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and negative LR were 68%, 100%, 100%, 20%, and 0.32, respectively. For the MRI detection of DIE submucosal/mucosal involvement, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and positive and negative LRs were 47%, 81%, 69%, 63%, 2.49, and 0.65, respectively. The PPV of RES detection of DIE muscularis infiltration was 93%. For the RES detection of DIE submucosal/mucosal layers, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and positive and negative LRs were 79%, 48%, 58%, 71%, 1.51, and 0.44, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, MRI is valuable for detecting endometriosis of the rectum but is less accurate in detecting submucosal/mucosal involvement than RES. Magnetic resonance imaging was not successful for preoperative determination of segmental resection versus a more conservative approach. When bowel involvement is detected by MRI, RES is not essential. When symptoms suggest DIE in patients without intestinal lesions detected by MRI, RES is necessary to exclude bowel invasion.

Transanal minimally invasive rectal resection for deep endometriosis: a promising technique

AIM

Surgical management of patients with deep endometriosis (DE) of the rectum is difficult. Inflammation and subsequent adhesions due to DE impede access to the lower pelvis and may lead to complications during laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is an alternative to an abdominal approach with potential advantages. The aim of this study was to provide a description of the TAMIS technique and to present the perioperative results of TAMIS and of conventional LAR in patients with DE.

METHOD

A prospective consecutive cohort of patients undergoing rectal resection for DE had either conventional laparoscopic LAR or TAMIS rectal excision. Pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters, such as patient symptomatology, operating time and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC-QLQ-29/30 questionnaires.

RESULTS

Between May 2014 and March 2016 a total of 11 rectal resections were performed, including five TAMIS procedures. No differences were found in the pre-, intra- or postoperative parameters. Two major complications occurred after conventional LAR and none after TAMIS. No differences in quality of life were found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for DE of the rectum is feasible. Potential advantages include better surgical access to the pelvis, possibly fewer complications than LAR and no extraction incision with no difference in quality of life. Larger prospective studies are required to compare TAMIS with conventional rectal resection.

Full-Thickness Excision versus Shaving by Laparoscopy for Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Rationale and Potential Treatment Options

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial mucosa (glands and stroma) abnormally implanted in locations other than the uterine cavity. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is considered the most aggressive presentation of the disease, penetrating more than 5 mm in affected tissues, and it is reported in approximately 20% of all women with endometriosis. DIE can cause a complete distortion of the pelvic anatomy and it mainly involves uterosacral ligaments, bladder, rectovaginal septum, rectum, and rectosigmoid colon. This review describes the state of the art in laparoscopic approach for DIE with a special interest in intestinal involvement, according to recent literature findings. Our attention has been focused particularly on full-thickness excision versus shaving technique in deep endometriosis intestinal involvement. Particularly, the aim of this paper is clarifying from the clinical and methodological points of view the best surgical treatment of deep intestinal endometriosis, since there is no standard of care in the literature and in different surgical settings. Indeed, this review tries to suggest when it is advisable to manage the full-thickness excision or the shaving technique, also analyzing perioperative management, main complications, and surgical outcomes.

Surgical treatment of deep infiltrating rectal endometriosis: in favor of less aggressive surgery

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.

Kinase signalling pathways in endometriosis: potential targets for non-hormonal therapeutics

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis, the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, is associated with chronic pelvic pain, subfertility and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Current treatments include the surgical removal of the lesions or the induction of a hypoestrogenic state. However, a reappearance of the lesion after surgery is common and a hypoestrogenic state is less than optimal for women of reproductive age. Additional approaches are required. Endometriosis lesions exist in a unique microenvironment characterized by increased concentrations of hormones, inflammation, oxidative stress and iron. This environment influences cell survival through the binding of membrane receptors and a subsequent cascading activation of intracellular kinases that stimulate a cellular response. Many of these kinase signalling pathways are constitutively activated in endometriosis. These pathways are being investigated as therapeutic targets in other diseases and thus may also represent a target for endometriosis treatment.

METHODS

To identify relevant English language studies published up to 2015 on kinase signalling pathways in endometriosis, we searched the Pubmed database using the following search terms in various combinations; 'endometriosis', 'inflammation', 'oxidative stress', 'iron', 'kinase', 'NF kappa', 'mTOR', 'MAPK' 'p38', 'JNK', 'ERK' 'estrogen' and progesterone'. Further citing references were identified using the Scopus database and finally current clinical trials were searched on the clinicaltrials.gov trial registry.

RESULTS

The current literature on intracellular kinases activated by the endometriotic environment can be summarized into three main pathways that could be targeted for treatments: the canonical IKKβ/NFκB pathway, the MAPK pathways (ERK1/2, p38 and JNK) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. A number of pharmaceutical compounds that target these pathways have been successfully trialled in in vitro and animal models of endometriosis, although they have not yet proceeded to clinical trials. The current generation of kinase inhibitors carry a potential for adverse side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Kinase signalling pathways represent viable targets for endometriosis treatment. At present, however, further improvements in clinical efficacy and the profile of adverse effects are required before these compounds can be useful for long-term endometriosis treatment. A better understanding of the molecular activity of these kinases, including the specific extracellular compounds that lead to their activation in endometriotic cells specifically should facilitate their improvement and could potentially lead to new, non-hormonal treatments of endometriosis.

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.

How to Manage Bowel Endometriosis: The ETIC Approach

A panel of experts in the field of endometriosis expressed their opinions on management options in a 35-year-old patient desiring pregnancy with a history of previous surgery for endometrioma and bowel obstruction symptoms. Many questions that this paradigmatic patient may pose to the clinician are addressed, and various clinical scenarios are discussed. A decision algorithm derived from this discussion is proposed as well.

Evaluation of pre- and post-operative symptoms in patients submitted to linear stapler nodulectomy due to anterior rectal wall endometriosis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a more versatile rectosigmoid nodulectomy technique using a linear stapler.

METHODS

Case series.

SETTING

tertiary care (reference center for endometriosis surgery).

PATIENTS

Sixty-one consecutive patients who were operated on between January 2006 and February 2013.

INTERVENTION

anterior rectal wall nodulectomy technique using sequential bites of the linear stapler.

MEASUREMENTS

Perioperative complications were recorded, and a condition-specific bowel dysfunction quality of life questionnaire (Rome III--Constipation) was applied pre-operatively and post-operatively during the first week of April 2013.

DESIGN CLASSIFICATION

Canadian Task Force III RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were submitted to the intervention. After a mean follow-up period of 1.83 years (.25-7.1 ± 1.97), no post-operative fistula or leakage was observed. In addition, no cases of rectal stenosis or bowel obstruction were recorded, and two patients were excluded for not answering the post-operative questionnaire. According to the Rome III questionnaire, constipation symptoms improved significantly in 12 out of 17 questions. No patient reported worsening of symptoms in question.

CONCLUSIONS

Linear stapler resection is a safe alternative to segmentar resection for endometriotic nodules on the anterior rectal wall.

Limited segmental rectal resection in the treatment of deeply infiltrating rectal endometriosis: 10 years' experience from a tertiary referral unit

BACKGROUND

The management of symptomatic rectal endometriosis is a challenging condition that may necessitate limited stripping or limited segmental anterior rectal resection (LSARR) depending upon the extent and severity of the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To report the efficacy of LSARR in terms of pain, quality of life and short- and long-term complications-in particular, those pertaining to bowel function.

METHODS

The case notes of all patients undergoing LSARR were reviewed. The analysed variables included surgical complications, overall symptomatic improvement rate, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and dyschezia. Chronic pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Bowel symptoms were assessed using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-four women who underwent LSARR by both open and laparoscopic approaches were included in this study. Sixty-nine (93.2%) women reported improvement in pain and the same percentage would recommend the similar procedure to a friend with the same problem. Approximately 42% of women who wished to conceive had at least one baby. The higher frequency of defecation was a problem in the early post-operative period but this settled in later stages without influencing the quality of life score. Post-operative complications were recorded in 14.9% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

LSARR for rectal endometriosis is associated with a high degree of symptomatic relief. Pain relief achieved following LSARR does not appear to degrade with time. As anticipated, some rectal symptoms persist in few patients after long-term follow-up but LSARR is nonetheless still associated with a very high degree of patient satisfaction.

Pain control and quality of life after laparoscopic en-block resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) vs. incomplete surgical treatment with or without GnRHa administration after surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of post-surgical medical treatment with GnRHa in patients with DIE (Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis) that received complete or incomplete surgery laparoscopic excision.

METHODS

Hundred fifty-nine patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the cul-de-sac and of the rectovaginal septum with pelvic pain undergoing laparoscopic surgery in academic tertiary-care medical center. Eighty patients underwent complete laparoscopic excision of DIE (Arm A) while 79 patients underwent incomplete surgery (Arm B). After surgery each surgical arm was randomized in two groups: no treatment groups 1A [40 pts] and 1B [40 pts] and GnRHa treatment for 6 months groups 2A [40 pts] and 2B [39 pts]. Pain recurrence and quality of life were evaluated in follow-up of 12 months and compared between groups.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between patient groups 1A and 2A. Groups 1A, 2A and 2B obtained significantly lower pain scores than those achieved by the group 1B undergoing incomplete surgical treatment and no post-surgical therapy. At 1-year follow-up patients treated with en-block resection (Groups 1A and 2A) showed the lowest pain scores and the highest quality of life in comparison with the other two groups (Group 1B and 2B).

CONCLUSION

GnRHa administration is followed by a temporary improvement of pain in patients with incomplete surgical treatment. It seems that it has no role on post-surgical pain when the surgeon is able to completely excise DIE implants.

Employing Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, multifactorial disease, which can impact significantly on a women's quality of life. It is associated with pelvic pain, dyspareunia and intestinal disorders, and can lead to infertility. The use of laparoscopic surgery in the management of endometriosis is well documented; however, the optimal management of women with deep infiltrating disease remains controversial. This review describes the different surgical strategies for the treatment of endometriosis.

Obstetric Outcomes in Patients Treated for Deep Pelvic Endometriosis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess obstetric outcomes and symptoms during and after pregnancy in women submitted to surgical treatment for deep pelvic endometriosis.

Methods

We evaluated 123 women who underwent surgery for severe deep pelvic endometriosis-related symptoms. Interventions were excision of rectovaginal septum nodule with or without rectal or vaginal resection, or excision of nodule of uterosacral ligaments. On the basis of pregnancy desire, patients were submitted to a telephone interview and asked if there had been a pregnancy and its outcome. They were also asked to describe their pain symptoms before, after and during the pregnancy.

Results

From the 123 patients, we selected 43 women desiring pregnancy after surgery, who answered the telephone interview. Twenty-four patients (55.8%) got pregnant. We recorded 34 pregnancies a mean 21.8 ± 17.9 months after surgery. In the group of 25 full-term pregnancies, 14 women (56%) had a vaginal delivery without complications, and 11 (44%) underwent a cesarean section. In only 3 cases, was the indication of cesarean section related to previous surgery. Seventy-one percent of women treated without rectal or vaginal resection delivered vaginally. We also registered 1 case of uncomplicated vaginal delivery in a patient with vaginal resection and another 1 in a patient with rectal resection. In the patients who complained of pain before pregnancy, we observed a resolution of pain symptoms during pregnancy, but after delivery these symptoms reappeared.

Conclusions

In patients submitted to surgery for deep pelvic endometriosis, even in cases of vaginal or rectal resection, a cesarean section is not always mandatory.