Classification algorithm of patients with endometriosis: Proposal for tailored management

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Guidelines

Background:

• Endometriosis presents unique management challenges due to uncertainty and controversy.
• Advancements in diagnostics, medications, and assisted reproductive techniques have not simplified care without an integrated approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians with a simplified, updated tool for selecting diagnostic-therapeutic pathways for endometriosis.
• To develop a standardized algorithm integrating multidisciplinary care scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of 3 international and 5 national endometriosis guidelines.
• Extraction and mapping of overlapping recommendations to create a care pathway algorithm.
• Classification of patients based on endometriosis type, stage, predominant health problem, and fertility potential.

Main Results:

• Development of a simplified diagnostic-therapeutic care pathway algorithm.
• Identification of 9 distinct patient classes, each linked to evidence-based treatment recommendations (medical, surgical, or assisted reproductive techniques).

Conclusions:

• The proposed algorithm standardizes endometriosis treatment planning.
• This tool aims to reduce inappropriate treatments by offering a clear, evidence-based approach.