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Rapid recurrence of endometrioma after transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration
Louis Y Chan1, William W So, Terence T Lao
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China. lyschan@cuhk.edu.hk
Objective:
Ultrasound-guided aspiration is a less invasive management option for recurrent endometrioma. We postulated that the endometriotic tissue in the epithelial lining of endometrioma had undergone pressure atrophy after a period of observation, and resolution of the endometrioma can be achieved by aspiration of its content.
Study Design:
A prospective study was carried out in which patients with recurrent endometrioma that remain stationary in size for a period of at least 6 months were included. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of endometrioma was performed transvaginally under conscious sedation. Ultrasound scan examination was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after aspiration to detect recurrence.
Results:
Eight endometriomas were aspirated in six patients. The mean diameter and volume of endometrioma at aspiration were 31.0 mm (range, 18.0-46.3 mm) and 21.9 ml (range, 3.16-52.0 ml), respectively. There were no major complications. Cytological examination revealed hemosiderin-laden macrophages; neither malignant cells nor endometrial cells were detected in all cases. Six ovarian cysts recurred in five women (83.3%), all recurrence were detected within 3 months after aspiration.
Conclusion:
We concluded that although transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration is a safe procedure, but the recurrence rate after aspiration is unacceptably high, and hence cannot be recommended as a treatment option for recurrent endometrioma.
