[Intestinal tract endometriosis]
Andrzej R Sygut1, Radzisław P Trzcinski, Przemysław J Galbfach
1Z Kliniki Chirurgii Ogólnej i Kolorektalnej Uniwersytetu Medycznego, łodzi.
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)
|January 11, 2007
Summary
Intestinal endometriosis, a rare condition affecting the bowel, is often diagnosed late despite clear symptoms. Early recognition of cyclical symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon disorder.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gynecology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Pelvic endometriosis affects the intestinal tract in 3-37% of cases, primarily the sigmoid colon and rectum.
- Intestinal endometriosis is infrequently diagnosed in clinical practice, often after prolonged symptom duration.
Observation:
- Two cases of intestinal endometriosis are presented over a 3-year period, highlighting its rarity.
- One patient had a prior diagnosis of rectal endometriosis; the other presented with complications post-laparoscopic pelvic endometriosis treatment.
Findings:
- Despite characteristic symptoms, diagnosis was delayed for years in one patient.
- Histopathology of a resected sigmoid colon segment confirmed endometriosis in the second patient, revealing the lesion's nature.
- Laparoscopy is identified as the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach for intestinal endometriosis.
Implications:
- Cyclical intestinal symptoms correlating with the menstrual cycle warrant high suspicion for endometriosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical resection of affected bowel segments are essential for effective management.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are needed for this seldom-reported condition.
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