Postpartum perforation of the colon due to endometriosis

Functional outcomes of bowel resection versus shaving or disc excision of colorectal endometriosis: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynaecological condition for women of reproductive age worldwide. While endometriosis primarily involves the reproductive system, it can also infiltrate additional viscera such as the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with colorectal endometriosis can have severe symptoms that require surgical intervention. There are limited data available to guide the choice of resection technique based on the functional outcomes of bowel resection versus shaving or disc excision in treating colorectal endometriosis. This protocol aims to outline the methods that will be used in a systematic review of the literature comparing the functional outcomes of bowel resection to shaving and disc excision when surgically treating colorectal endometriosis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Papers will be identified through database searches, scanning reference lists of relevant studies and citation searching of key papers. Two independent reviewers will screen studies against eligibility criteria and extract data using standardised forms. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane will be searched from the beginning of each database until February 2024. The primary outcome is comparing the functional bowel outcomes between the different methods of surgical treatment. Secondary outcome will be quality of life, based on the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score and the incidence of postoperative pain. A meta-analysis will be performed if the data are homogenous.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study does not require ethics approval. The results of the systematic review described within this protocol will be disseminated through presentations at relevant conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The methods will be used to inform future reviews.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023461711.

Risk factors for abscess development in patients with endometrioma who present with an acute abdomen

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the potential risk factors for abscess development in patients with endometrioma who present with an acute abdomen.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 51 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute abdomen involving an endometrioma at our hospital between April 2011 and August 2021. The patients were divided into an infected group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 29). We analyzed patient characteristics; imaging findings; clinical data, including bacterial cultures; and perioperative outcomes to assess for differences between groups.

Results

Patients in the infected group were significantly older than those in the control group (P = 0.03). They were more likely to have a history of endometriosis surgery (P = 0.04) and more likely to have undergone transvaginal manipulation within 3 months of presentation (P = 0.01). Body temperature on the day of admission was significantly higher in the infected group (P = 0.007), as were C-reactive protein levels on the day of admission and before surgery (P < 0.001; P = 0.018) and the white blood cell count on the day of admission (P = 0.016). Preoperative imaging showed significant thickening of the tumor wall (P < 0.001) and an enhanced contrast effect (P < 0.001) in the infected group.

Conclusion

We identified several factors that suggest abscess in patients with an acute abdomen who have a complication of pathologically confirmed endometriosis. A recent vaginal procedure is a particular risk factor for abscess development in patients with endometriomas.

A posterior uteroperitoneal fistula: an unexpected finding

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate a unique presentation and surgical treatment of a posterior uteroperitoneal fistula with excision of the fistula tract and repair in multiple layers.

DESIGN

Illustrative video presentation. A case report is used to describe potential causes of an uteroperitoneal fistula found in a patient during evaluation of secondary infertility and to highlight surgical technique and management using the principles of fistula repair through a minimally invasive approach. The Institutional Review Board reviewed this video article and it was deemed "not human subject research."

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

PATIENT(S)

A 33-year-old G1P1001 woman with a history of a cesarean section presented with secondary infertility, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea and was found to have a posterior uteroperitoneal fistula at the time of hysterosalpingography.

INTERVENTION(S)

The patient underwent an uncomplicated robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of a posterior uteroperitoneal fistula with the use of careful dissection of the fistula tract, continuous reassessment, and tension-free closure in layers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Preoperative diagnosis and surgical management displaying intraoperative techniques for robot-assisted excision of fistula tract and repair of defect.

RESULT(S)

The patient underwent robot-assisted operative laparoscopy that revealed a 4-cm mass on the right posterior aspect of the uterus independent from her adnexa. Concomitant hysteroscopy revealed normal endometrium without an evident fistula. During chromopertubation, extravasation was seen into the peritoneal cavity from this mass. The mass and fistula tract were excised without a connection found from her cesarean scar, and reconstruction was performed in multiple layers. Endometriotic lesions were noted intraperitoneally in locations distant from the mass. The patient had significant improvement in her symptoms after surgery.

CONCLUSION(S)

We present a unique case of a suspected spontaneous posterior uteroperitoneal fistula in the presence of endometriosis without evidence of a connection to her prior hysterotomy scar. Possible etiologies include an undiagnosed, unrepaired hysterotomy extension or a result of chronic inflammation from deep infiltrating endometriosis. Adverse effects on fertility from uteroperitoneal fistulas may be due to disruption of sperm function or endometrial quality secondary to presence of old blood products sequestered in the fistula or due to resultant inflammation from the same. As in this video case, successful treatment of symptoms resulting from an uteroperitoneal fistula requires removal of the fistula tract. The constellation of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, postmenstrual bleeding, and infertility should raise suspicion for an uteroperitoneal fistula.

Obstetrical complications of endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis

Over the past few years, a new topic in the field of endometriosis has emerged: the potential impact of the disease on pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize in detail the available evidence on the relationship between endometriosis, particularly deep endometriosis (DE), and obstetrical outcomes. Acute complications of DE, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel perforation, and uterine rupture, may occur during pregnancy. Although these events represent life-threatening conditions, they are rare and unpredictable. Therefore, the current literature does not support any kind of prophylactic surgery before pregnancy to prevent such complications. Results on the impact of DE on obstetrical outcomes are debatable and characterized by several limitations, including small sample size, lack of adjustment for confounders, lack of adequate control subjects, and other methodologic flaws. For these reasons, it is not possible to draw conclusions on this topic. The strongest evidence shows that DE is associated with higher rates of placenta previa; for other obstetrical outcomes, such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and hypertensive disorders, results are controversial. Although it is unlikely that surgery of DE may modify the impact of the disease on the course of pregnancy, no study has yet investigated this issue.

Puerperal ileal perforation secondary to endometriosis: Case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Bowel endometriosis is an uncommon disease that can cause serious complications and may require immediate medical attention. We wish to remind about bowel perforation caused by endometriosis, its diagnostic difficulty, and the need or urgent management in late pregnancy and puerperium.

CASE REPORT

We present a 38-year-old woman, which presented with bowel perforation requiring urgent surgery. A pathological exam disclosed deep ileal infiltrative endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Even though bowel endometriosis is a rare complication, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe abdominal pain in late pregnancy or puerperium. A multidisciplinary management of these patients is needed.

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.

A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, pregnancy was considered to have a positive effect on endometriosis and its painful symptoms due not only to blockage of ovulation preventing bleeding of endometriotic tissue but also to different metabolic, hormonal, immune and angiogenesis changes related to pregnancy. However, a growing literature is emerging on the role of endometriosis in affecting the development of pregnancy and its outcomes and also on the impact of pregnancy on endometriosis. The present article aims to underline the difficulty in diagnosing endometriotic lesions during pregnancy and discuss the options for the treatment of decidualized endometriosis in relation to imaging and symptomatology; to describe all the possible acute complications of pregnancy caused by pre-existing endometriosis and evaluate potential treatments of these complications; to assess whether endometriosis affects pregnancy outcome and hypothesize mechanisms to explain the underlying relationships.

METHODS

This systematic review is based on material searched and obtained via Pubmed and Medline between January 1950 and March 2015. Peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles examining the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy and vice versa were included in this article.

RESULTS

Changes of the endometriotic lesions may occur during pregnancy caused by the modifications of the hormonal milieu, posing a clinical dilemma due to their atypical appearance. The management of these events is actually challenging as only few cases have been described and the review of available literature evidenced a lack of formal estimates of their incidence. Acute complications of endometriosis during pregnancy, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, bowel and ovarian complications, represent rare but life-threatening conditions that require, in most of the cases, surgical operations to be managed. Due to the unpredictability of these complications, no specific recommendation for additional interventions to the routinely monitoring of pregnancy of women with known history of endometriosis is advisable. Even if the results of the published studies are controversial, some evidence is suggestive of an association of endometriosis with spontaneous miscarriage, preterm birth and small for gestational age babies. A correlation of endometriosis with placenta previa (odds ratio from 1.67 to 15.1 according to various studies) has been demonstrated, possibly linked to the abnormal frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions observed in women affected. Finally, there is no evidence that prophylactic surgery would prevent the negative impact of endometriosis itself on pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications of endometriosis during pregnancy are rare and there is no evidence that the disease has a major detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, pregnant women with endometriosis can be reassured on the course of their pregnancies although the physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of placenta previa. Current evidence does not support any modification of conventional monitoring of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis.

Deep endometriosis induced spontaneous colon rectal perforation in pregnancy: laparoscopy is advanced tool to confirm diagnosis

Endometriosis causes rare complications in pregnancy, such as obstetrical bleeding, preterm birth, spontaneous haemoperitoneum, and intestinal perforation. The prevalence of spontaneous perforation due to intestinal endometriosis is unknown in pregnancy. A recent review of the literature indicated 15 bowel complications caused by endometriosis during pregnancy or at the immediate postpartum period. The diagnosis of a bowel perforation can be difficult and in all of the cases reported necessitates an exploratory laparotomy. Anyway, in the majority of cases bowel perforation is not diagnosed during this laparotomy, and a repeat laparotomy is needed. Laparoscopy is being used increasingly in the diagnosis and operative management of acute abdomen. Laparoscopy can be a useful means of diagnosis and in addition a therapeutic tool in selected pregnant patients with abdominal pain. We report the first case of a pregnant woman with spontaneous double sigmoid and rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy.

Multidisciplinary laparoscopic treatment for bowel endometriosis

Endometriosis is a handicapping disease affecting young females in the reproductive period. It mainly occurs in the pelvis and affects the bowel in 3-37%. Endometriosis can cause menstrual and non-menstrual pelvic pain and infertility. Colorectal involvement results in alterations of bowel habit such as constipation, diarrhoea, tenesmus, and rarely rectal bleeding. A precise diagnosis about the presence, location and extent is necessary. Based on clinical examination, the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis can be made by transvaginal ultrasound, barium enema examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Multidisciplinary laparoscopic treatment has become the standard of care and depending on size of the lesion and site of involvement full-thickness disc excision or bowel resection is performed by an experienced colorectal surgeon. Anastomotic complications occur around 1%. Long-term outcome after bowel resection for severe endometriosis is good with a pregnancy rate of 50%.

Endometriosis involving the mucosa of the intestinal tract: a clinicopathologic study of 15 cases

Endometriosis involving the mucosa of the intestines is rare, but may lead to diagnostic pitfalls. We reviewed 15 cases (seven biopsies and eight resections) from 14 patients. The patients' mean age is 48 years (31-66 years). Presenting symptoms included lower gastrointestinal bleeding, pelvic pain, rectal urgency, abdominal mass, and bowel obstruction. In the majority of cases, the lesion was located in the rectum (73%) with the remainder in the sigmoid colon (20%) and ileum (7%). The most common indication for biopsy was a polypoid lesion seen endoscopically (eight cases). For patients who underwent resections, the most common clinical impression was colonic carcinoma (75%), due to mass lesions and stricture as the most common macroscopic findings. Histologically, one case had stromal endometriosis only, but the remaining 14 cases had both endometrial glands and stroma. Epithelial metaplasia was present in all cases, mostly tubal metaplasia (ciliated epithelium). Hybrid glands and replacement of the surface epithelium by endometrial epithelium were also seen. Crypt architectural distortion, cryptitis, and crypt abscesses were seen in some cases, mimicking chronic active colitis or enteritis. A panel of immunohistochemical stains (CK7, CK20, CDX2, and ER) was found to be useful in biopsies with suspected endometriosis demonstrating unusual histology or only containing endometrioid stroma tissue. Vascular involvement by endometriosis was identified in one case. Endometrial hyperplasia (n=2) and cancer (n=1) were also seen in the ectopic tissue. All patients were alive at follow-up (3-216 months, mean 67 months).

The feasibility of laparoscopic bowel resection performed by a gynaecologist to treat endometriosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Intestinal endometriosis is commonly diagnosed in the setting of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. A multidisciplinary team that includes gynaecologists and general surgeons traditionally performs laparoscopic bowel resections for symptomatic patients. Recently, Pereira et al. has published the results of a series of patients who underwent laparoscopic bowel resection for endometriosis performed by a team of gynaecologic surgeons, after a period of experimental training with animals and joining participation with general surgeons in the first cases. It is suggested that gynaecologic surgeons may be able to perform laparoscopic bowel resections for endometriosis, if properly trained, although the results may not be reproducible.

RECENT FINDINGS

A review of recent literature related to laparoscopic bowel resections for endometriosis showed that the learning curve and experience of the surgeon may be the most important predictive factors for the effectiveness of the procedure. Results concerning major operative complications and clinical remission were considered satisfactory in both single and multidisciplinary approaches, that is, laparoscopic bowel resections performed by gynaecologic and colorectal surgeons. Protective colostomies or ileostomies could not reduce the rate of rectovaginal fistulae in multidisciplinary experiences.

SUMMARY

The single-surgeon model approach in laparoscopic excision of endometriosis that includes bowel resection may provide advantages for both the patients and healthcare system. The best model should be decided on the maximum benefit of the patient.

Rectal perforation from endometriosis in pregnancy: Case report and literature review

This case report describes a woman with spontaneous rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis in pregnancy. A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital at 30 wk of pregnancy with symptoms suggestive of pyelonephritis, which persisted until 33 wk of gestation when delivery of a premature male baby was performed through a cesarean section. On postoperative day 2, an abdominal computed tomography showed free air in the peritoneal cavity and a pelvic abscess. Explorative celiotomy revealed a diffuse severe fecaloid peritonitis that originated from a 3-cm wide rectal perforation. A Hartmann operation was then performed. Histopathological findings were consistent with decidualization of the rectal wall. Only 20 cases of intestinal perforation due to endometriosis have been reported in the literature. This report is believed to be the first case of spontaneous rectal perforation from endometriosis in pregnancy, and it shows the potential occurrence of serious and unexpected complications of the disease.

Intestinal endometriosis-A rare cause of colonic perforation

Endometriosis is the ectopic growth of viable endometrium outside the uterus, affecting approximately 7% of females. It commonly affects pelvic structures including the bowel. Perforation of the colon by endometriosis is very rare and the patients generally present with an asymptomatic or painful pelvic mass, often in the left iliac fossa. Our patient presented acutely unwell and her symptoms were more suggestive of pyelonephritis or diverticulitis. We therefore report an unusual cause of acute abdomen. The purpose of the following case report is to elucidate certain diagnostic and therapeutic problems of the disease, concerning both surgeons and gynaecologists. In summary, intestinal endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all post-menarche women with episodic gastrointestinal symptoms. A past history of endometriosis or co-existent gynaecological symptoms should increase the index of suspicion, and laparoscopy prior to formal laparotomy should be considered. Our patient, in retrospect, had a history of mild endometriosis, but we feel that this case serves as a reminder of a rare, but important, differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in females.

Traitement cœlioscopique de l'endométriose profonde. À propos de 118 cas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate risks and benefits of laparoscopic surgery of deep endometriosis, especially with bowel involvement with the aim of improve the inform consent of patients and choice of adequate management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational continuous study on 118 patients suffering from deep endometriosis (48 with bowel endometriosis) treated by laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

95.6% of the patients improved their symptoms (93.7% for dyspareunia). Upon the 29 infertile patients, 21 (72%) got pregnant, including 14 (66%) spontaneously. During operative time, 3 laparotomies occurred, two of them for haemorrhage. During postoperative time, 4 major complications (2 rectal fistulas and 2 ureteral necrosis) and minor complications occurred.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Those data confirm the efficiency of laparoscopic treatment of deep endometriosis especially for pain relief and fertility. Nevertheless, few but severe complications may occur. Therefore, it is imperative to deliver clear, loyal and appropriate information before to proceed to such a treatment.

Colouterine Fistula Secondary to Endometriosis With Associated Chorioamnionitis

BACKGROUND

Intestinal endometriosis may be complicated by bowel obstruction, colonic rupture, sepsis, and rarely, malignant transformation. Fistula formation is extremely rare.

CASE

A 26-year-old woman presented at 16 weeks of gestation with an acute abdomen suggestive of ruptured appendicitis. Blood cultures were positive for Bacteroides fragilis. At laparotomy, she was found to have a colouterine fistula with pelvic sepsis. The resected specimens demonstrated extensive uterine adenomyosis and endometriosis of the cecum, with a fistulous tract lined by endometriosis and suppurative inflammation extending from the cecum to the uterine endometrial cavity associated with severe chorioamnionitis and endomyometritis.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates a rare complication of colouterine fistula secondary to intestinal endometriosis.

Intestinal endometriosis: the great masquerader

Chronic symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits in women evoke a broad differential diagnosis including irritable bowel syndrome, infection, malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease. Endometriosis, a common disorder in young women that can involve the intestinal tract, deserves consideration as well. Intestinal endometriosis is typically asymptomatic; however, when symptoms occur, they can mimic those of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying intestinal endometriosis can be challenging, but historical points and key clinical features aid in diagnosis.

Abscess in adenomyosis mimicking a malignancy in a 54-year-old woman

BACKGROUND

Although there are a few reports describing abscess formation in endometriotic foci no report of abscess formation arising de novo within adenomyosis appears in the literature. Preoperative diagnosis of adenomyosis is frequently difficult because of non-specific signs and symptoms. Synchronous pelvic pathologies such as leiomyoma, endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, as well as endometrial cancer may cause differential diagnostic problems.

CASE

A 54-year-old postmenopausal woman complaining of inguinal pain, nightsweats and hot flashes is presented. Radiologic examinations of the pelvis revealed a 95 x 85 mm leiomyoma-like lesion including a 53 x 43 mm cystic space and 9 x 6 mm papillary formation within the uterus raising clinical suspicion of malignancy. A total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed accompanied by a frozen section diagnosis. The frozen section revealed an abscess formation arising in a focus of adenomyosis. The postoperative period of the patient was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

The present case, to our knowledge, is the first report representing abscess formation in adenomyosis. Abscess arising within adenomyosis can strongly raise the suspicion of endometrial cancer, particularly if the patient is postmenopausal. If endometrial cancer cannot be ruled out with definitive histopathological diagnosis in the preoperative period, a frozen section becomes mandatory during surgical intervention.

Endometriosis of the intestinal tract: a study of 44 cases of a disease that may cause diverse challenges in clinical and pathologic evaluation

Endometriosis of the intestinal tract may mimic a number of diseases both clinically and pathologically. The authors evaluated 44 cases of intestinal endometriosis in which endometriosis was the primary pathologic diagnosis, and evaluated them for a variety of gross and histologic changes. Cases with preneoplastic or neoplastic changes were excluded specifically because they were the subject of a previous study. The patients ranged in age from 28 to 56 years (mean age, 44 years), and presenting complaints included abdominal pain (n = 15), an abdominal mass (n = 12), obstruction (n = 8), rectal bleeding (n = 2), infertility (n = 3), diarrhea (n = 2), and increasing urinary frequency (n = 1). The clinical differential diagnoses included diverticulitis, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, irritable bowel syndrome, carcinoma, and lymphoma. Forty-two patients underwent resection of the diseased intestine and two patients underwent endoscopic biopsies. In 13 patients there were predominantly mural masses, which were multiple in two patients (mean size, 2.6 cm). In addition, 11 cases had luminal stenosis or strictures, six had mucosal polyps, four had submucosal masses that ulcerated the mucosa (sometimes simulating carcinoma), three had serosal adhesions, one had deep fissures in the mucosa, and one was associated with appendiceal intussusception. Involvement of the lamina propria or submucosa was identified in 29 cases (66%) and, of these, 19 had features of chronic injury including architectural distortion (n = 19), dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates (n = 7), pyloric metaplasia of the ileum (n = 1), and fissures (n = 1). Three cases had features of mucosal prolapse (7%), ischemic changes were seen in four (9%), and segmental acute colitis and ulceration were seen in four and six cases (9% and 13%) respectively. In 14 patients, endometriosis formed irregular congeries of glands involving the intestinal surface epithelium, mimicking adenomatous changes. Mural changes included marked concentric smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy, neuronal hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and fibrosis of the muscularis propria with serositis. Follow-up of 20 patients (range, 1-30 years; mean, 7.8 years) revealed that only two patients had recurrent symptoms. None of the patients developed inflammatory bowel disease. Endometriosis can involve the intestinal tract extensively, causing a variety of clinical symptoms, and can result in a spectrum of mucosal alterations. Because the endometriotic foci may be inaccessible to endoscopic biopsy or may not be sampled because of their focality, clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the potential of this condition to mimic other intestinal diseases.

Neoplastic and pre-neoplastic changes in gastrointestinal endometriosis: a study of 17 cases

The clinicopathologic features of neoplasms arising in gastrointestinal endometriosis have not been well characterized. In this series, we report 17 cases of gastrointestinal endometriosis complicated by neoplasms (14 cases) or precancerous changes (three cases). Four patients, one of whom also had hypermenorrhea, presented with chronic abdominal pain and five had obstructive symptoms; one of these also had rectal bleeding. One patient presented with an acute abdomen and fecal peritonitis, one had vaginal bleeding, and one had a progressive change in bowel habits. Nine patients had a long history of endometriosis, 11 patients had had hysterectomies, and eight of these had also received unopposed estrogen therapy. The lesions involved the rectum (6), sigmoid (6), colon, unspecified (2), and small intestine (3), and comprised 8 endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EA), 4 mullerian adenosarcomas (MAS), 1 endometrioid stromal sarcoma (ESS), 1 endometrioid adenofibroma of borderline malignancy (EBA) with carcinoma in situ, 2 atypical hyperplasias (AH), and one endometrioid adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS). The tumors ranged in size from 2 to 15 cm and all involved the serosa and muscularis propria. Two tumors extended into the mucosa, with mucosal ulceration in one. Follow-up was available in 11 cases. One patient with EA was dead of disease at 1 year, one had two recurrences at 1 and 2 years, and three were alive with no evidence of disease (ANED) at 9 months to 13 years (mean, 68 mos). The patient with the EBA was ANED at 3 months. Two patients with MAS were ANED at 2 and 3 years. The patient with ESS had a recurrence at 3 years and was ANED 6 years after her original diagnosis. One woman with AH was ANED at 60 months and the patient with ACIS was ANED at 16 months. One of the carcinomas was originally misdiagnosed as a primary intestinal adenocarcinoma. The pathologist should be aware of the possibility of a tumor of genital tract type when evaluating intestinal neoplasms in females, particularly if they have a history of endometriosis and have received unopposed estrogen therapy.

Extrapelvic endometriosis

This article reviews extrapelvic endometriosis, emphasizing classic papers as well as recent research. Because of the nature of the existing literature, specifically case reports and retrospective analyses, this article is primarily descriptive in nature. Extrapelvic endometriosis is discussed based on some main areas of occurrence, including gastrointestinal, urinary, and thoracic; other areas are also reviewed. What is known about the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of extrapelvic endometriosis is highlighted. Areas for future direction of research in the field are also identified.

Different types of extragenital endometriosis: a review

Endometriotic growth may appear in any structure in the body. As well as affecting the internal genitalia, lesions are not uncommon in the bowel, urinary tract and thorax and reports of a number of cases at rarer sites have been published. This review is based on more than 1000 publications on the subject, that allows an overview of the appearance of the disease in different organs.

Endometriosis. An important condition in clinical gastroenterology

Endometriosis, a condition defined by the presence of ectopic endometrium, is a disorder of increasing incidence and a significant cause of gastroenterologic distress in young women. Although clinical manifestations vary considerably depending upon the anatomic extent of disease, characteristic abdominal complaints and typical physical findings continue to be associated with misdiagnosis and delayed recognition of gastrointestinal involvement. The authors of this paper review the medical literature concerning endometriosis of the digestive tract--emphasizing modes of presentation, risk factors, diagnostic testing, complications, and therapy. Greater familiarity with the disease and heightened awareness of its sequellae are needed and prerequisite to improved medical management.

Perforation of the colon due to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disease which affects the bowel in 12 to 35% of cases. Despite extensive serosal and intramural involvement, the intestinal mucosa usually remains intact and bowel perforation rarely occurs. We describe a patient with perforation of the sigmoid colon due to endometriosis. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the radiologic literature.