Endometriosis mimics general surgical disease

Area of Science:

• General Surgery
• Gynecology
• Pathology

Background:

• Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
• While typically presenting with cyclic symptoms, endometriosis can occasionally mimic general surgical diseases.
• Atypical presentations can lead to diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present six atypical cases of endometriosis encountered in general surgery.
• To highlight the varied clinical presentations that can mimic other surgical pathologies.
• To emphasize the importance of considering endometriosis in differential diagnoses.

Main Methods:

• Review of six cases with atypical presentations of endometriosis.
• Diagnostic methods included laparotomy, excisional biopsy, and fine needle aspiration.
• Clinical and pathological findings were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Six cases presented with symptoms mimicking appendicitis (2), subcutaneous mass (2), pelvic wall malignancy, and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via laparotomy/excision in five cases and fine needle aspiration in one.
• Resection of endometriotic lesions was curative in feasible cases.

Conclusions:

• Endometriosis, though rare in general surgery, can present atypically and mimic various surgical conditions.
• Awareness of these atypical presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical resection when possible, are essential for patient outcomes.