Laparoscopic conservative surgery plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in the treatment of endometriosis: a meta-analysis

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic conservative surgery plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in the treatment of endometriosis through meta-analysis. Six randomized controlled clinical trials comparing laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a versus placebo or no treatment for endometriosis were retrieved. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the efficacy. A total of 477 patients were included. Among them, 233 patients received laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a while another 244 laparoscopic surgery alone. The results of meta-analysis showed that laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a could decrease the recurrence of pain symptoms (P < 0.05), but it could not increase the pregnancy rate of infertility associated with endometriosis (P > 0.05). Furthermore the combined regiment could better improve clinical symptoms than placebo. Laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a could decrease the recurrence of pain symptoms associated with endometriosis, but it failed to increase the pregnancy rate of infertility.