Argon laser therapy of endometriosis: a review of 92 consecutive patients

The conception rate, relief of pain, and safety of argon laser photocoagulation of endometriosis were evaluated in 92 patients. All patients were treated at the time of diagnosis with the argon laser delivered through a flexible quartz fiber passed through the operating channel of a standard and unmodified laparoscope. The uncorrected pregnancy rate was 34% (19 of 56), with 64% of the pregnancies occurring within 6 months of therapy. The conception rate was slightly greater in women with infertility of 24 months or less and in women without other fertility factors. Ninety-two percent of 50 women with pelvic pain reported a reduction of their pain after treatment. The argon laser is an effective, simple, and safe alternative for the treatment of mild or moderate endometriosis.