Intestinal endometriosis. Our experience.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Intestinal endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue infiltrating the bowel, affecting 3-37% of women with endometriosis.
• The rectosigmoid colon is the most common site (70-93%), but other segments can be involved.
• Often asymptomatic, diagnosis frequently occurs incidentally during surgery for other conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and management of intestinal endometriosis.
• To review surgical outcomes for patients diagnosed with intestinal endometriosis.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment options for bowel endometriosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 17 patients diagnosed with intestinal endometriosis between 2006 and 2015.
• Review of clinical history, physical examination, imaging techniques, and surgical procedures.
• Analysis of operative techniques, including laparotomy and laparoscopy, considering patient fertility wishes.

Main Results:

• Intestinal endometriosis can present with nonspecific symptoms or acute abdominal pain.
• Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging.
• Laparoscopic surgery is effective and often preferred over laparotomy, especially when fertility is a concern.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and management.
• Surgical intervention, preferably laparoscopic, is crucial for symptomatic cases and incidental findings.
• Patient-specific factors, including fertility desires, guide surgical technique selection.