Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Research Articles

First-line surgery vs first-line ART to manage infertility in women with deep endometriosis without bowel involvement: A multi-centric propensity-score matching comparison

ObjectiveTo compare first-line surgery with first-line assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in infertile women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) without colorectal involvement. Study designA retrospective comparative cohort study with a propensity-score matching analysis, in four tertiary-care referral centers. The population was infertile women with DIE without colorectal involvement. The patients were managed either by first-line surgery followed by spontaneous conception attempts and/or ART, or by first-line ART. 284 patients were extracted from the databases. After matching, 92 patients were compared in each group. Clinical pregnancy rates (PR) and live-birth rates (LBR) were the primary outcomes, and cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) were the secondary outcomes. ResultsThe mean number of IVF-ICSI cycles per patient was 1.4, with a significant difference between the groups: 1.6 in the first-line ART group and 1.2 in the first-line surgery group (p = 0.006). The PR was significantly higher in the first-line surgery group (72 % vs 35 %; p < 0.001). In the first-line surgery group, non-ART pregnancies occurred in 18 % (17/92) while no non-ART pregnancies was noted in the first-line ART group. The LBR was significantly higher in the first-line surgery group (61 % vs 24 %; p < 0.001). After ART, the CPR were 72 % (47/67) in the first-line surgery group, and 35 % (32/92) in the first-line ART group (p < 0.001). ConclusionAfter matching, our results support that first-line surgery offer higher pregnancy and live-birth rates than first-line ART in patients with DIE without colorectal involvement.

Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Endometriosis-An Overview: How, Why, and When.

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. Accurate diagnosis and assessment are often challenging. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are the most common imaging modalities. In this narrative review, we present the evidence behind the role of TVS in the diagnosis and assessment of endometriosis. We recognize three forms of endometriosis: Ovarian endometriomas (OMAs) can be adequately assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. Superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP) is challenging to diagnose by either imaging modality. TVS, in the hands of appropriately trained clinicians, appears to be non-inferior to MRI in the diagnosis and assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The IDEA consensus standardized the terminology and offered a structured approach in the assessment of endometriosis by ultrasound. TVS can be used in the non-invasive staging of endometriosis using the available classification systems (rASRM, #ENZIAN). Given its satisfactory overall diagnostic accuracy, wide availability, and low cost, it should be considered as the first-line imaging modality in the diagnosis and assessment of endometriosis. Modifications to the original ultrasound technique can be employed on a case-by-case basis. Improved training and future advances in ultrasound technology are likely to further increase its diagnostic performance.

Systematic Approach to Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Patient with Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate systematically how to identify deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) on MRI and compare preoperative MRI imaging to intraoperative laparoscopic findings. <h3>Design</h3> Video demonstration of MRI images and surgical footage with narrated description. <h3>Setting</h3> Tertiary care academic teaching hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Patients with deep infiltrative endometriosis in the anterior, middle, and posterior compartments. <h3>Interventions</h3> Preoperative MRI was completed for patients with suspected DIE due to reported symptoms or examination findings to confirm DIE presence and extension. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The diagnosis and evaluation of DIE is difficult with physical examination and laparoscopic exploration alone. MRI is easily reproducible and surveys the anterior, middle, and posterior compartments of the pelvis in single study even if lesions are obscured by adhesions. This video reviews how to systematically identify DIE on preoperative MRI and provides specific tips for each pelvic compartment. This video shows how appropriate preoperative planning allows for one step laparoscopy with subspecialty surgeons (e.g.: case 1 with General Surgery, case 3 with Colorectal Surgery). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Because successful treatment of DIE requires surgical excision, preoperative confirmation of DIE presence and extension is extremely important. Surgeons should understand how to evaluate MRI images for DIE and use these findings to guide preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative exploration.

Ureterolysis for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Using Indocyanine Green on the Robotic Platform

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate safe identification of ureters in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis or severe adhesive disease using indocyanine green under near-infrared fluorescence on the robotic platform. <h3>Design</h3> Stepwise demonstration using narrated video footage. <h3>Setting</h3> An academic tertiary care hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> A 43-year-old G0 with stage IV endometriosis presented with chronic pelvic pain. Her surgical history is notable for two aborted hysterectomies due to severe adhesive disease, despite extensive lysis of adhesions. She desired surgical intervention. <h3>Interventions</h3> In cases of stage IV endometriosis, localizing the ureters can be challenging due to severe adhesive disease, surrounding fibrotic tissue, and distorted anatomy. Intravenous indocyanine green has previously been described to assist with resection of endometriosis.^1-3 Alternatively, we describe a technique that allows for easier identification of ureters using indocyanine green (ICG) injection retrogradely in ureteral stents while visualized under near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF).^4-5 1. Perform cystoscopy and place bilateral open-ended 5-French ureteral catheters. Inject indocyanine green retrogradely in each ureteral catheter, and place caps to seal the catheters to maximize ICG retention. 2. Once robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is started, use NIRF to identify the ureter. The ureter will emit green fluorescence, whereas the surrounding tissue will not. 3. Once the ureter is identified, NIRF is intermittently used to safely follow the course of the ureter and perform ureterolysis, while excising endometriosis. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The patient underwent robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral ureterolysis, low anterior bowel resection with primary anastomosis, and resection of endometriosis without intraoperative complications or ureteral injury. Her postoperative course was unremarkable. At her 3-week postoperative visit, pelvic pain had completely resolved. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This case demonstrates the use of intra-ureteral ICG and NIRF to identify the ureters and perform ureterolysis in cases of deep infiltrative endometriosis.

Posterior Compartment Peritonectomy: Technique Demonstration

<h3>Study Objective</h3> Demonstrate the technique of in block peritonectomy excision of the posterior compartment of the pelvis for endometriosis treatment. <h3>Design</h3> Edited video of a surgery for endometriosis by the peritonectomy excision technique. <h3>Setting</h3> 3-port laparoscopy surgery. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Edited video of a usual case of deep infiltrating endometriosis in a 30-year-old patient. <h3>Interventions</h3> Deep infiltrative endometriosis (Grade IV by the AAGL classification), operated by the peritonectomy technique, with excision of the entire peritoneum of the posterior compartment and the connective tissue below, with shaving of a nodule from the rectum. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The procedure demonstrated in this edited video demonstrates a complete and satisfactory removal of endometriosis, with complete preservation of the ureters, blood vessels, hypogastric nerves, rectum, vagina, cervix and fasciae (Hypogastric and pre-sacral fasciae, more deeply). With complete release of the deep entrapment of somatic nerves. The patient in the exposed case had complete resolution of pain symptoms and spontaneous pregnancy 6 months after. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Endometriosis is a disease of superficial and deep infiltration of endometriotic tissue that spreads diffusely in the connective tissue of the pelvis. The ideal way of surgical removal of the disease is the in block resection of the entire affected compartment, a technique called by the authors as excision by peritonectomy. As shown in this video, it is a safe, effective and reproducible technique, only dependent on a deep knowledge of anatomy and the deep layers of the pelvis by the surgeon.

Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Segmental Bowel Resection for Deep Endometriosis: The Negrar Method

<h3>Study Objective</h3> to demonstrate a nerve-sparing technique during laparoscopic segmental bowel resection for deep endometriosis. <h3>Design</h3> A step-by-step demonstration of surgical procedure of laparoscopic segmental bowel resection. <h3>Setting</h3> In several cases, segmental bowel resection may be necessary to achieve complete removal of the disease and significantly improve the quality of life. Laparoscopic complete excision of deep-infiltrating endometriosis can seriously affect bladder, rectal, and sexual function. The goal of the nerve-sparing approach is to better identify the visceral neural fibers and surgical landmarks. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> patients who underwent nerve-sparing laparoscopic complete excision of endometriosis with segmental bowel resection (‘‘The Negrar Method''). <h3>Interventions</h3> Our surgical nerve-sparing bowel resection technique proceeds in 5 steps: Step 1 Development of the medial pararectal space (Okabayashi's space) and development of the lateral pararectal space (Latzko's space) and isolation of the ureteral course Step 2 Opening of the presacral space, development of avascular spaces, and identification and preservation of pelvic sympathetic fibers of the inferior mesenteric plexus, superior hypogastric plexus, upper hypogastric nerves. Step 3 Development of the rectovaginal space Step 4 The previously skeletonized inferior mesenteric vessels are transected Step 5 Rectal resection and colorectal anastomosis <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The Nerve-sparing technique appears to be feasible and offers good results in terms of reduced bladder morbidity and apparently higher satisfaction than the classical technique. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This kind of surgery requires uncommon surgical skills and anatomical knowledge; we believe that it should be performed only in selected reference centers.

Improvement of Post-Operative Quality of Life in Patients 2 Years after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pain and Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

This study addressed the improvement in the quality of life of patients 2 years after minimally invasive surgery for painful deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), evaluated with EHP-5 (Endometriosis Health Profile-5) scores and the intensity of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. This was a retrospective study, performed in a referral centre for endometriosis, between January 2010 and January 2019. EHP-5 scores were complete for 54 patients, and two subgroups were analysed: classic laparoscopy (CL) vs. robotic laparoscopy (RL), and conservative surgery (ConservS) vs. total surgery (TS). There was an important decrease in 2-year post-operative EHP-5 scores in the global population (pre-op: 61.36 (42.18–68.75) and 2-year post-op: 20.45 (0–38.06); p < 0.001). The Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) was also lower for dysmenorrhea (pre-op: 8 (7–9.75) vs. 2-year post-op: 3 (2–5.25); p < 0.001) and dyspareunia (pre-op: 6 (3.1–8.9) vs. 2-year post-op: 3 (0–6); p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, EHP-5 scores were improved in the RL group (pre-op: 65.9 (59.09–71.02) vs. 2-year post-op: 11.4 (0–38.06); p < 0.001) and the CL group (pre-op: 50 (34.65–68.18) vs. 2-year post-op: 27.27 (14.20–40.90); p < 0.001), with a slight advantage for RL (p = 0.04), and the same improvements were found for ConservS (pre-op: 61.4 (38.06–71.59) vs. 2-year post-op: 22.7 (11.93–38.07); p < 0.001) and TS groups (pre-op: 61.59 (51.70–68.75) vs. 2-year post-op: 13.63 (0–44.30); p < 0.001). Minimally invasive surgery improved the quality of life for DIE patients 2 years after surgery, and conservative surgery showed comparable results to total surgery.

Colocalization of senescent biomarkers in deep, superficial, and ovarian endometriotic lesions: a pilot study

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition with deleterious effects on women’s quality of life in terms of physical, emotional, and social compromise. It is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, and its presentation varies from superficial peritoneal lesions to deep infiltrative endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma. In our previous study, endometriotic lesions were implicated in cellular senescence as their inflammatory pattern could potentially compromise surrounding tissue integrity, thereby inducing a senescent state in cells. P16Ink4a and lamin b1 are biomarkers used to assess cellular senescence. Indirect immunofluorescence staining is a broad technique used to assess cellular structure and behavior driven by protein–protein interactions that provide valuable information about cell functioning. The etiopathogeny of endometriosis is not completely understood and diagnostic approaches still rely on invasive methods; therefore, it is important to use validated methods to increase our understanding of the disease and the development of novel diagnostic tools. However, indirect immunofluorescence protocols are often tissue specific and, if neglected, can lead to misinterpretation of results. Moreover, no valid endometriotic tissue-specific colocalization immunofluorescence protocols have been established. Thus, we have validated a well-funded and suitable protocol to allow precise evaluation of the three presentations of endometriosis lesions using indirect immunofluorescence aiming to support further investigations in endometriosis lesions.

Impact of Laparoscopic Sclerotherapy for Ovarian Endometriomas on Ovarian Reserve

StudyObjective: To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic sclerotherapy on the management of endometrioma during surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE). DesignObservational study. SettingTivoli-Ducos Clinic, Bordeaux. PatientsSixty-nine patients underwent laparoscopic sclerotherapy for endometrioma during surgery for DIE. InterventionsLaparoscopic sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol solution and DIE surgery. Measurements and Main ResultsAntimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels before and at least 6 months after surgery, recurrences, and pregnancies. Mean AMH (ng/mL) levels were 3.4 (2.3) before surgery and 2 (1.7) after surgery (p <.001). Mean difference was 1.29 ng/mL. Preoperative AMH level was the only variable independently associated with an additive decrease in AMH. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up period was 17.5 months (4.6) (range 9–26 months); 18 of 44 patients (40.1%) with pregnancy intent conceived. Of 51 patients who underwent postoperative pelvic ultrasound, 6 (6 of 51, 11.8%) had a recurrence of endometrioma. ConclusionLaparoscopic sclerotherapy for endometrioma >40 mm during surgery for DIE sclerotherapy has a low impact on AMH, preserves fertility, and prevents recurrence.

Assessing The Role and Accuracy of Ultrasonographic Imaging in The Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is described as an endometriotic tissue that penetrates more than 5 mm under the peritoneal surface. It's suggested that trans vaginal sonography (TVS) is 79% sensitive and 94% specific in the assessment of intestinal DIE. Considering the possibility that DIE ultrasonography (rectal and\or vaginal ultrasonography) might be more accurate, we designed this study to assess this study to evaluate the accuracy of DIE ultrasonography. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we designed and conducted this study from 2019 to 2020 on patients suspected of severe endometriosis. Our patients underwent ultrasonographic imaging and based on the results became candidates for surgery. We compared histopathological results with sonographic findings using crosstabulation and chi-square tests were used to measure accuracy. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Following pathological assessments of 109 cases, 97 cases had ovarian endometrioma, 42 cases had intestinal involvement and 56 cases had uterosacral DIE. The results for accuracy were as the following; uterosacral ligament (USL) involvement SE: 96.4% and SP: 59.1%; intestinal involvement SE: 97.6% and SP: 73.8%; and Cul de sac involvement with SE: 100% and SP: 50.8%. With regards to ovarian endometrioma, ultrasonographic imaging was 99.0% sensitive and 84.6% specific. With regards to intestinal involvement, ultrasonography performed a reliable overall diagnosis (97.6% sensitive and 73.8% specific). However, the results showed lower accuracy regarding the level of intestinal involvement. The accuracy for other sites and cavities was low except for ovarian endometrioma. The results of the present study demonstrated that pre-operative TVS and Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) can be a helpful paraclinical tool in the assessment and diagnosis of DIE and endometriosis in general and particularly with adnexal and bowel lesions, it can have some shortcomings with respect to cul de sac and USLs.

Prevalence of endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis at transvaginal ultrasound examination of subfertile women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment

To estimate the prevalence of endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), assessed by systematic transvaginal ultrasound examination, in women with subfertility accepted for their first assisted reproductive treatment and to describe the prevalence of endometriotic lesions in different anatomical locations of the pelvis. Cross-sectional study. Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University hospital. A total of 1,191 women with subfertility aged 25-39 years accepted for their first assisted reproductive treatment between December 2018 and May2021. All women underwent a systematic transvaginal ultrasound examination. The endometriotic lesions visible on ultrasound examination were described according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group consensus opinion for systematic approach to assess endometriotic lesions. Prevalence of endometrioma and DIE in women with subfertility and prevalence of endometriotic lesions in various anatomical locations of the pelvis. Endometriosis prevalence was 21.8%, with endometriotic lesions found in 260 of the 1,191 women. Overall, 125 (10.5%) women had endometrioma and 205 (17.2%) women had DIE. Of these 260 women, 197 (75.8% of women with endometriosis) did not have any previous knowledge about having endometriosis. The most common location for endometriotic lesions was the uterosacral ligaments, with lesions found in 151 (12.7%) of all women. The second most common location was the ovaries containing endometrioma, found in 125 (10.5%) women. Most women had 1 (n = 121, 10.2%) or 2 (n = 82, 6.9%) endometriotic lesions. The prevalence of endometrioma and DIE in women with subfertility, diagnosed by systematic transvaginal ultrasound examination, was 21.8%. Of these, three-fourth of women had no knowledge about the presence of disease.

Ultrasound–integrated robotic identification of an isolated deep infiltrating endometriosis nodule of the sigmoid colon

In cases of isolated sigmoid colon deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), intraoperative inspection might not be enough for delineation of the lesion. Here, we present a novel approach where an intraoperative ultrasound–integrated robotic system is utilized to scan the sigmoid colon for identifying the affected segment to limit resection only to the involved area (Figure 1). Different surgical approaches including shaving, discoid excision, and segmental resection can be utilized to treat rectosigmoid DIE.

Serum Chemokines and Quality of Life among Patients with Endometriomas and Teratomas

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can cause pelvic pain, infertility, and other symptoms. The disease may manifest as superficial peritoneal or deep-infiltrating endometriosis or as ovarian endometriomas. Although the mechanisms associated with the regulation and production of inflammatory mediators in endometriosis have been widely investigated, the precise mechanism responsible for inflammation-induced pain remains unclear, and the findings related to the cytokine expression profile and the location of cytokines in cells are contradictory. The intensity of pain experienced by endometriosis patients is not proportional to the degree and severity of their disease. Pain has a significant impact on women suffering from endometriosis. Methods: The following inclusion criteria to the study were: presence of endometriomas vs teratomas, negative pregnancy test result, no prior obstetric and infertility treatment, and good health condition with no diseases or coagulation disorders. Blood samples were collected from all patients. The serum levels of chemokines were determined by ELISA. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was made. Results: The median serum levels of chemokines: Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1) and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 3 (MCP-3) were statistically higher in the endometriomas group compared to the other two groups. In the NHP questionnaire the comparison of the subjective health dimensions in individual groups showed that the patients in the endometriomas group experienced a significantly higher intensity of “PAIN” compared to other groups. Correlation analysis between NHP dimensions and serum chemokine levels: spearman’s rank correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between the “VITAL ENERGY” dimension and the level of MCP-2 (r = –0.295; p = 0.022), MCP-3 (r = 0.254; p = 0.050), and RANTES (r = –0.353; p = 0.006); between the “EMOTIONS” dimension and the level of MCP-3 (r = 0.262; p = 0.043); and between the “INCONVENIENCE IN DAILY LIFE” dimension and the level of Eotaxin-1 (r = –0.283; p = 0.028) and CCL13 (r = –0.287; p = 0.026). Conclusions: The chemokines serum levels (i.e., MCP-1 and MCP-3) and intensity of “PAIN” were statistically higher in the endometriomas compared to the teratomas group of women. Therefore, understanding their role in endometriosis-related pain could help in the development of novel, multidisciplinary treatments.

Transvaginal ultrasound evaluation of the pelvis and symptoms after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis

Objective:To evaluate transvaginal sonography (TVS) findings after laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis and to correlate postsurgical ultrasound findings with symptoms.Material and Methods:A retrospective study including women who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy for bladder endometriosis. Within 12 months after surgery, TVS examination was conducted in all patients to evaluate the bladder morphology, and the presence of any postsurgical sonographic findings of the pelvis. Painful symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale.Results:A total of 40 women were included. At the follow-up visit, 25 patients were receiving medical treatment while 15 had declined post-surgical therapy and had tried to conceive. The presence of bladder deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was found in nine (22.5%), fibrotic thickening of the bladder wall was found in 15 (37.5%), and normal bladder morphology was observed in 16 (40%). There was a correlation between anterior adenomyosis and bladder DIE, and fibrotic thickening of the bladder. Patients with TVS signs of bladder DIE and anterior adenomyosis suffered more dysmenorrhea and dysuria than patients with normal bladder.Conclusion:Post-operative TVS can detect the alteration of pelvis and could explain the causes of the persistence of symptoms.

Peculiarities of the clinical course and pathomorphological picture of ovarian endometriosis and adenomyosis in reproductive aged women

Оbjectives: to assess the clinical and pathomorphological features of ovarian endometriosis and adenomyosis in women of reproductive age in order to determine possible causes of fertility disorders and ways to correct them.Materials and methods. 87 patients were examined and divided into 2 groups. The first group included 45 (51.7%) patients with adenomyosis with or without concomitant pathology. The second group included 42 (48.3%) women with ovarian endometriomas. The control group consisted of 30 healthy women of childbearing age who were screened for male infertility.Results. Clinical examination of the patients revealed a high frequency of gynecological (uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, infertility) and extragenital pathology. Obstetric and gynecological history was burdened by reproductive losses (involuntary and medical abortions, ectopic pregnancy), premature birth, preeclampsia, abnormal uterine and obstetric bleeding, and pelvic surgery. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment (laparoscopy, hysteroscopy). Morphological examination revealed features of the structure of endometrioid cysts, which explains the decrease in ovarian reserve, active adenomyosis, reactive hyperplasia and chronic endometritis, distortion of the uterine cavity by fibroids. This may play an important role in implantation and placentation.Conclusions. Features of morphogenesis of ovarian endometrioma, found by us cystic and glandular-cystic forms may form the basis of endometrial microperforation pathogenesis, development of adhesions of the pelvic organs (in every third woman), ectopic pregnancy, fibrotic adjacent endometrioid tissue and reduction of ovarian reserve. The peculiarities of the uterus histostructure in adenomyosis, frequent combination with uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, chronic endometritis, ovarian endometriosis, deep infiltrative endometriosis, old age, aggravated obstetric anamnesis and the history of obstetric disorders may be related.

A review of more than 2000 cases of site-specific pelvic endometriosis rates by MRI: a guide to minimizing under/overdiagnosis non-invasively

ObjectivesTo statistically study the incidence of endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in various anatomical sites and to illustrate the significance and potential implications for each site. Furthermore, to improve the knowledge of the community for a non-invasive diagnosis alternative to laparoscopy.MethodsThis study includes 2040 patients who had been referred with clinical evidence of pelvic endometriosis. These patients had been examined and undergone transvaginal sonography by the referring gynecologists. The imaging modality used to discover and locate various anatomical locations of involvement was MRI with contrast. Two radiologists with expertise in endometriosis separately assessed the patients' MRIs and highlighted the involved areas.ResultsIn total, 79.1% were positive for either endometrioma or DIE. We detected both DIE and ovarian endometrioma in 78.2% of positive cases. Isolated endometrioma or DIE was present exclusively in 13.7% and 8.1% of patients, respectively. Uterosacral ligaments were detected as the most common (73.8%) site of DIE involvements and in 2.9% of cases were the sole affected location. Interestingly, very rare independent involvement of the genitourinary tract was seen in two patients.ConclusionsIn this study, MRI was used to assess the likely involvement sites of endometrioma and DIE, as well as the frequency of incidences in various places and their relationships over a large dataset. Understanding the possibly involved sites, their statistics, and their co-existence can provide radiologists with a roadmap for non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis and treatment planning. These principles should hopefully assist reduce under- and overdiagnosis.

Diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis: a preliminary study on the added value of R2*MFGRE sequence in magnetic resonance imaging.

Identifying and locating endometriotic lesions is crucial for preoperative planning, so new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are urgently needed to improve the diagnostic sensitivity for pelvic endometriosis. To evaluate the feasibility of R2* multiple fast gradient recalled echo (MFGRE) imaging in the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis. A total of 46 patients with suspected endometriosis underwent routine pelvic MRI and R2*MFGRE imaging. Clinical diagnosis was pathologically confirmed one month after MRI examination. Three radiologists who were blinded to the pathological results evaluated the number of ovarian endometriomas (OMAs) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions using routine MRI and its combination with R2*MFGRE. The diagnostic sensitivity for OMA or DIE using the two examination methods was determined. Two-correlation sample rank-sum tests were used to compare both methods. Additionally, for all lesions, the R2* values were measured and statistically analyzed. Among 46 patients, 47 OMAs and 30 DIE lesions were found surgically and pathologically confirmed. The diagnostic sensitivity of the routine MRI was 87.2% for OMA and 46.7% for DIE. The diagnostic sensitivity of the routine imaging combined with R2*MFGRE was 100% for OMA and 90% for DIE. The two-correlation sample rank-sum test showed a significant difference between both methods (P<0.01, z = -4.26). The median R2* value was 25.20 (IQR=14) for the OMA group, and 45.21 (IQR=40) for the DIE group. The difference between both groups was statistically significant (P<0.01, z = -4.89). R2*MFGRE imaging, as a supplement to the routine MRI, could improve the diagnostic sensitivity for pelvic endometriosis, especially for DIE.

Transvaginal Ultrasound vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Value in Endometriosis Diagnosis.

(1) Background: Endometriosis is a widespread gynecological condition that causes chronic pelvic discomfort, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and impaired quality of life in women of reproductive age. Clinical examination, transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are significant preoperative non-invasive diagnosis procedures for the accurate assessment of endometriosis. Although TVS is used as the primary line for diagnosis, MRI is commonly utilized to achieve a better anatomical overview of the entire pelvic organs. The aim of this systematic review article is to thoroughly summarize the research on various endometriosis diagnosis methods that are less invasive. (2) Methods: To find relevant studies, we examined electronic databases, such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, choosing 70 papers as references. (3) Results: The findings indicate that various approaches can contribute to diagnosis in different ways, depending on the type of endometriosis. For patients suspected of having deep pelvic endometriosis, transvaginal sonography should be the first line of diagnosis. Endometriosis cysts are better diagnosed with TVS, whereas torus, uterosacral ligaments, intestine, and bladder endometriosis lesions are best diagnosed using MRI. When it comes to detecting intestine or rectal nodules, as well as rectovaginal septum nodules, MRI should be the imaging tool of choice. (4) Conclusions: When diagnosing DE (deep infiltrative endometriosis), the examiner’s experience is the most important criterion to consider. In the diagnosis of endometriosis, expert-guided TVS is more accurate than routine pelvic ultrasound, especially in the deep infiltrative form. For optimal treatment and surgical planning, accurate preoperative deep infiltrative endometriosis diagnosis is essential, especially because it requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Robotic surgery in gynaecology: Scientific Impact Paper No. 71 (July 2022).

The use of robotic-assisted keyhole surgery in gynaecology has expanded in recent years owing to technical advances. These include 3D viewing leading to improved depth perception, limitation of tremor, potential for greater precision and discrimination of tissues, a shorter learning curve and improved comfort for surgeons compared with conventional keyhole and open abdominal surgery. Robotic-assisted keyhole surgery, compared with conventional keyhole surgery, improves surgical performance without increasing operating time, minimises blood loss and intra- or postoperative complications, while reducing the need to revert to abdominal surgery. Moreover, surgeons using a robot experience fewer skeletomuscular problems of their own in the short and long term than those operating without a robot as an additional tool. This Scientific Impact Paper looks at the use of a robot in different fields of gynaecological surgery. A robot could be considered safe and a more effective surgical tool than conventional keyhole surgery for women who have to undergo complex gynaecology surgery or have associated medical issues such as body-mass index (BMI) at 30 kg/m2 or above or lung problems. The introduction of the use of robots in keyhole surgery has resulted in a decrease in the number of traditional open surgeries and the risk of conversion to open surgery after traditional keyhole surgery; both of which should be considered when examining the cost-benefit of using a robot. Limitations of robotic-assisted surgery remain the associated higher costs. In womb cancer surgery there is good evidence that introducing robotics into the service improves outcomes for women and may reduce costs.

Anogenital Distance and Endometriosis: Results of a Case-Control Study.

AGD is the distance measured from the anus to the genital tubercle. Recent evidence suggests that a shorter AGD, a sensitive biomarker of the prenatal hormonal environment, could be associated with higher endometriosis risk. However, studies investigating AGD in affected women are scanty. We have set up a case-control study recruiting nulliparous women (aged 18-40years) with endometriosis between 2017 and 2018. Cases were 90 women with a surgical or with a current nonsurgical diagnosis of endometriosis (n = 45 deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and n = 45 ovarian endometrioma (OMA)). Controls were 45 asymptomatic women referring for periodical gynaecological care and without a previous diagnosis of endometriosis. They were matched to cases for age and BMI. For each woman, two measures were obtained using a digital calliper: AGDAC, from the clitoral surface to the upper verge of the anus, and AGDAF, from the posterior fourchette to the upper verge of the anus. Each distance was derived from the mean of six measurements acquired from two different gynaecologists. The mean ± SD AGDAC in women with DIE, OMA and without a diagnosis of endometriosis was 76.0 ± 12.1, 76.1 ± 11.1 and 77.8 ± 11.4mm, respectively (p = 0.55). The mean ± SD AGDAF in women with DIE, OMA and without a diagnosis of endometriosis was 22.8 ± 5.0, 21.7 ± 9.0 and 23.7 ± 7.8mm, respectively (p = 0.38). Our study failed to find an association between AGD and the presence of endometriosis. AGD does not seem to represent a reliable indicator of the presence of endometriosis to be used in clinical practice.