Laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) - clinical management and outcome in a multidisciplinary center

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign disease with highly variable symptoms. The adequate treatment for symptomatic disease requires complete resection of all lesions. In advanced stages, bowel involvement is common. However, indications of colorectal resection for endometriosis remain controversial because of the risk of major complications. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of complete laparoscopic management of symptomatic deep pelvic endometriosis in a new multidisciplinary center in Romania. We included and retrospectively evaluated 74 patients treated for symptomatic deep infiltrating endometriosis in our institution between 2014 and 2015. In the majority of patients (97.3%), radical resection was achieved entirely using a minimally invasive surgical technique. Complications occurred in only 2 cases with anastomotic leakage in 1 patient and a rectovaginal fistula in another patient. A well-trained interdisciplinary team can perform the laparoscopic treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis with low incidence of major complications and good clinical outcome.