Management of endometriosis and its associated adhesions with the CO2 laser laparoscope

One hundred fifty-eight patients with endometriosis were treated with the carbon dioxide laser laparoscope and followed for 15 months. The revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis was used to stage the disease. The median revised American Fertility Society points per patient was 29.4. Removal of adhesions, periureteral endometriosis, and superficial bowel endometriosis was accomplished. Complications consisted of bleeding, extravasation of fluid, and uterine and bladder puncture. No serious complications requiring laparotomy were encountered. Significant relief of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia as well as enhanced fertility was achieved. Second-look laparoscopy confirmed efficient removal of endometriosis. Pain relief and pregnancy data are presented. Endometriosis and its related adhesions can be removed precisely and relatively bloodlessly with the carbon dioxide laser laparoscope. Expertise in advanced laparoscopy and a thorough knowledge of use of the carbon dioxide laser and its bioeffects are prerequisites to performing this procedure.