Association of preoperative Enzian score with postoperative fertility in patients with deep pelvic endometriosis

Abstract

IntroductionEndometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a negative impact on fertility. The Enzian classification provides a precise description of deep pelvic endometriotic lesions, especially in the retroperitoneal area, from preoperative pelvic MRI scans. However, it is not known if it is correlated with postoperative fertility. Study objectiveTo determine if there is an association between the preoperative Enzian score and postoperative fertility after deep pelvic endometriosis surgery. DesignWe conducted a descriptive, retrospective study using information from the ENDOREN database. SettingThis was a retrospective study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rennes University Hospital (France) from January 2013 to May 2019 Patients and interventionsWe used information from the ENDOREN database that included all women who underwent surgery for deep endometriosis and wish to conceive. This surgery was intended in a view to achieve a complete removal of endometriosis. MeasurementsThe Enzian score was calculated from preoperative MRI scans, and total, spontaneous, and after In Vitro fertilization (IVF) live births and pregnancies outcomes were collected from the patients'computerized medical records. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. ResultsSixty-eight patients were included. The live-birth rate was 35% (24/68). According to the Enzian classification, 25 patients (35%) were classified in compartment A, 64 patients (94%) in compartment B, and 27 (40%) in compartment C. In multivariate analysis, positive predictor of live birth was single Enzian B score (OR=4.7[1.21; 18.81], p = 0.03), negative predictors were uterine adenomyosis and a history of endometriosis surgery. In multivariate analysis, positive predictor of spontaneous live birth was EFI score ≥7 (OR =22.434; CI [1.138; 442.190]). In multivariate analysis, positive predictor was Enzian A score (OR=15.9[2.2; 114.7], p = 0.006), and negative predictors was uterine adenomyosis and Enzian B score (OR=0.01[0; 0.495], p = 0.02) for live birth after IVF. ConclusionThe present retrospective study cannot strongly conclude about fertility and correlation with Enzian score because the groups are too small. However, it seems that when solely the compartment B is involved by endometriosis, complete full removal of endometriosis leads to better post-operative live births results. Other studies must be done to determine if Enzian classification based on preoperative pelvic MRI could be clinical value in the decision-making strategy for managing infertile patients with deep pelvic endometriosis.