Abdominal Wall Endometriosis
Christine E Foley1, Patricia Giglio Ayers1, Ted T Lee2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
Abstract:
Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a rare type of endometriosis defined as endometrial glands and stroma located within the abdominal wall. Patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery classically present with cyclic abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Definitive diagnosis is made by pathologic tissue examination, but preoperative imaging with ultrasonography or MRI helps narrow the differential and informs surgical management. Surgical management is traditionally via an open approach; however, laparoscopic removal of AWE is recommended for subfascial or rectus lesions. Following surgical excision, more than 90% of patients experience complete symptom relief.
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