Asymptomatic rectal and bladder endometriosis: a case for robotic-assisted surgery

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Gynecologic oncology
• Reproductive medicine

Background:

• Endometriosis can significantly impact pelvic organs, causing pain and infertility.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for extensive or unresponsive cases.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopy presents a minimally invasive option for complex gynecological procedures.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old female presented with pelvic pain and infertility, diagnosed with bladder and rectal endometriosis.
• Medical management failed to alleviate symptoms.
• A robotic-assisted partial cystectomy and rectal nodule resection were performed.

Findings:

• The procedure, including ovarian cyst excision, was completed in 185 minutes.
• Rectal lesion excision and primary closure were successful.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery with no postoperative complications.
• The patient achieved pregnancy via in vitro fertilization two years later.

Implications:

• Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy is a safe and feasible treatment for endometriosis involving the bladder and rectum.
• This approach may improve outcomes for patients with infertility and pelvic pain due to endometriosis.
• Further research can explore long-term efficacy and patient quality of life.