Inguinal endometriosis: A systematic review.
Alexandros Dalkalitsis1, Styliani Salta2, Ioannis Tsakiridis3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genetics and IVF Unit, Medical School, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece.
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
|February 19, 2022
Summary
Inguinal endometriosis, a rare condition, typically presents as an inguinal mass. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, with long-term follow-up essential for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Inguinal endometriosis is a rare condition with unclear causes, presenting diagnostic and treatment challenges.
- It often manifests as a unilateral inguinal mass, potentially with cyclical pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal endometriosis.
- To analyze clinical features, diagnostic methods, surgical interventions, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion of case reports and retrospective analyses, with numerical analysis of parameters.
- Data extraction on clinical presentation, investigations, surgical treatment, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- 133 cases of inguinal endometriosis were identified across 61 studies.
- Ultrasound was the primary diagnostic tool; surgical excision, including round ligament resection, was the main treatment.
- Chemotherapy/radiotherapy were used for associated neoplasia; recurrence and malignant transformation were rare.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention is the mainstay for inguinal endometriosis.
- Long-term follow-up is crucial.
- Further research is needed on hormonal therapy, recurrence, and links to malignancy.
