Effect of laparoscopic endometrioma cystectomy on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels

To investigate temporary or long-term changes of AMH after laparoscopic endometrioma cystectomy and its dependency on characteristics of endometriomas.

One hundred and seventy-one women, open-labeled prospective study; five groups divided according age ≤/> 35, uni-/bilateral, cyst ≤/> 7 cm, coagulation/suture surgery, stage III/IV; between- and within-group analyses after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

After 12 months, compared to pretreament, AMH decreased significantly for patients with bilateral cysts, cyst size >7 cm and endometriosis stage IV. In the between-group analysis all comparisons were significant, with exception of the surgery type. However, this was different performing the multiple linear regression analysis suggesting lower postoperative decrease using suturing technique. This analysis also showed higher age at pretreatment and bilateral cysts as risk factor for AMH decline.

Effects of endometrioma cystectomy on AMH are dependent on characteristics of the endometrioma, showing long-term a decrease in patients with larger, bilateral cysts and in stage IV endometriosis, but only short-time decrease in smaller, unilateral cysts and stage III which sometimes also can fully recover in AMH production within one year. In our study suture compared to coagulation surgery was protective, i.e. may lead to lower postoperative AMH decline.